[Endoscopic endonasal anterior skull base surgery : Presentation of a monocentric entity profile]. / Endonasal-endoskopische anteriore Schädelbasischirurgie : Darstellung eines monozentrischen Entitätenprofils.

BACKGROUND: Extended endoscopic endonasal surgery (EEES) is an essential part of treatment of various pathologies of the anterior skull base. In addition to significant improvements in the quality of life of affected patients and a lower complication profile compared to open skull base surgery, the therapeutic results are comparable if the indications are correct. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of all endoscopic endonasal skull base procedures performed at the University Skull Base Center Hamburg under the direction of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology between June 2018 and November 2022 were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: A total of 50 cases were identified. Of these, 56% (28/50) were malignant tumors, 24% (12/50) were benign pathologies with direct skull base involvement, and 20% (10/50) were anterior skull base defects with rhinoliquorrhea. In 96% (48/50) of cases, the preoperatively set goal of surgery (representative biopsy, complete resection, closure of the skull base defect) could be achieved. Complications grade III or higher according to Clavien-Dindo occurred in 4/50 cases. During the observation period, n = 5 olfactory neuroblastomas were diagnosed, all of which were exclusively and successfully operated on endoscopically. CONCLUSION: In recent years, the spectrum of endoscopically resectable pathologies of the anterior skull base has steadily expanded. In particular, midline-related tumors such as olfactory neuroblastoma or iatrogenic/idiopathic skull base defects with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea are treated completely endoscopically with very good results. Nevertheless, there are also limitations to this technique. Due to high variance in the scope of frontobasal surgery, the extent, and the complex anatomy, as well as the overlapping responsibilities of the specialist disciplines, establishment of certified skull base centers and bundling of frontobasal surgery at these centers is highly relevant for quality assurance.

PEG hydrogel sealant versus fibrin glue in posterior fossa surgery: an economic comparison across five European countries.

Aim: Posterior cranial fossa (PCF) surgery is associated with complications, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Dural sealants such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogels and fibrin glue can prevent CSF leaks, with evidence suggesting PEG hydrogels may outperform fibrin glue. However, the budget impact of using PEG hydrogels in PCF surgeries in Europe is unclear. Materials & methods: A decision tree was developed based on a previous US model, to assess the budget impact of switching from fibrin glue to PEG hydrogel in PCF surgery across five European countries. Input costs were derived from published sources for the financial year 2022/2023. Health outcomes, including CSF leaks, were considered. Results: The model predicted that using PEG hydrogel instead of fibrin glue in PCF surgery can lead to cost savings in five European countries. Cost savings per patient ranged from EUR 419 to EUR 1279, depending on the country. Sensitivity analysis showed that the incidence of CSF leaks and pseudomeningoceles had a substantial impact on the model's results. Conclusion: PEG hydrogels may be a cost-effective alternative to fibrin glue in PCF surgery. The model predicted that cost savings would be mainly driven by a reduction in the incidence of postoperative CSF leaks, resulting in reduced reliance on lumbar drains, reparative surgery and shortened hospital stays.

Spontaneous rhinorrhea and idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a complex and challenging association.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous CSF leak is a known complication of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Patients with CSF rhinorrhea present a unique challenge within the IIH population, as the occurrence of a leak can mask the typical IIH symptoms and signs, complicating the diagnosis. Treatment of leaks in this population can also be challenging, with the risk of rhinorrhea recurrence if intracranial hypertension is not adequately treated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this narrative review was to examine current literature on the association between spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea leaks and IIH, focusing on key clinical features, diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was executed using the PubMed and Scopus databases. The search was confined to articles published between January 1985 and August 2023; extracted data was then analysed to form the foundation of the narrative review. RESULTS: This search yielded 26 articles, comprising 943 patients. Average age was 46.8 ± 6.5 years, and average body mass index was 35.8 ± 4.8. Most of the patients were female (74.33%). Presenting symptoms were rhinorrhea, headaches and meningitis. The most common imaging findings were empty sella and encephalocele. The standard treatment approach was endoscopic endonasal approach for correction of CSF rhinorrhea leak, and shunt placement was also performed in 128 (13%) patients. Recurrences were observed in 10% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The complex relationship between spontaneous CSF leaks and IIH is a challenge that benefits from multidisciplinary evaluation and management for successful treatment. Treatments such as endoscopic repair, acetazolamide, and VP/ /LP shunts reduce complications and recurrence. Personalised plans addressing elevated intracranial pressure are crucial for successful outcomes.

Carolyn's window approach for spontaneous frontal sinus meningoencephalocele.

Spontaneous meningoencephaloceles (MECs) are sparsely documented in the literature. Those occurring in the frontal sinus are an exceedingly rare entity. MECs are commonly associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea. CSF rhinorrhoea is frequently misdiagnosed, causing delays in diagnosis and management. The subsequently increased risk of bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening to patients. We report the case of a woman in her late 70s with a spontaneous frontal sinus MEC, presenting with a 6-month history of CSF rhinorrhoea. The patient was successfully treated using the novel Carolyn's window approach endoscopically; 9-month follow-up revealed no skull-base breach. Our case emphasises the importance of considering MEC as a differential diagnosis for clear rhinorrhoea and demonstrates successful repair through a novel surgical approach.

Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in a Patient with Asymptomatic Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks occur when there is a tear in the dura mater. Spontaneous CSF leaks are rare, and often associated with conditions like intracranial hypertension, connective tissue disorders, or congenital defects in the dura mater. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 66-year-old woman who presented to the Emergency Department with clear, positional nasal discharge from her left nostril for 1 week. She had a history of chronic headaches, which seemed to have been relieved around the time of onset of her rhinorrhea. Diagnostic imaging, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans, confirmed the presence of a CSF leak and a left temporal meningoencephalocele. The patient subsequently underwent surgical repair of the leak and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, and was discharged home in stable condition. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Early detection of CSF leaks require a thorough history and physical examination, and is crucial in preventing potentially life-threatening complications such as meningitis and intracranial abscesses.

Endoscopic Transnasal Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage: Experience in BSMMU.

Endoscopic transnasal repair of CSF rhinorrhoea is gaining popularity around the world because of its tremendous success rate but it depends on defect site, size, technique of repair, experiences of surgeon and also patient's profile. Aim of this study was to analysis of surgical outcome of endoscopic transnasal repair of CSF rhinorrhoea. A retrospective study carried out in the department of ENT and Head neck surgery at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from January 2018 to December 2019. Of the total of 24 patients 16(66.0%) were female and 8(33.0%) males. The commonest site of the leak was in the cribriform plate in 18(75.3%) followed by 5(20.8%) in the fovea ethmoidalis, and 1(4.0%) in the sphenoid sinus, the overall success rate of this series with first surgical procedure was 95.83% and 100.0% with a second procedure. Meticulous pre-operative evaluation, proper identification of leakage site, choice of graft materials and surgical technique are keys to attaining excellent results.

Endoscopic Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea Due to Trauma by a Bamboo Stick in a Pediatric Patient.

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (CSFR) is a condition in which the cerebrospinal fluid flows out of the nasal cavity due to rupture of the arachnoid, dura, and nasal membranes because of bone defects in the skull base. The authors report a rare case of CSFR in a 2-year-old girl who experienced trauma in the nasal cavity by a bamboo stick. She underwent endoscopic repair for the CSFR. During surgery, a bulged vesicle was observed at the left cribriform plate with a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid draining from the surrounding area. Postoperative recovery was good. Endoscopic CSFR repair in pediatric patients is minimally invasive, effective, and safe as demonstrated in this case. Prevention of CSFR in children is important. Parents and caretakers of children need to be more aware, and potentially dangerous objects should not be kept within reach of children.

Multiple skull base defects in the setting of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea; a dual institution view.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure that presents with CSF leak. The implications of multiple skull base defects (SBD) and associated synchronous CSF leaks have not been previously explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dual institutional case-control study examined multiple SBD's and encephaloceles on the risk of CSF leak and postoperative failures post-repair. IIH patients with CSF leaks and IIH controls without leaks were selected retrospectively. Chi square analysis evaluated for statistically significant alterations in probability with CSF leak development. RESULTS: 192 patients were selected with 108 IIH controls and 84 spontaneous CSF leak cases. Signs and symptoms for IIH controls and CSF leak cases respectively were pulsatile tinnitus (60.2 % and 29.8 %), headaches (96.3 % and 63.1 %), papilledema (74.1 % and 12.5 %), visual field defects (60.8 % and 13 %) (p < 0.001). Encephalocele formation in controls was 3.7 % compared to cases at 91.6 % (p < 0.001). Multiple SBD's in controls compared cases was 0.9 % and 46.4 % respectively (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of CSF leak cases showed 15 patients with two CSF leak repairs due to a recurrence. 27 (39.1 %) single leak cases had multiple SDB's while 12 (80 %) recurrent leaks had multiple SDB's (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with radiographic evidence of multiple SBD's and encephaloceles represent a high-risk population with a propensity for CSF leaks. Secondary SBD's are common in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea and higher in patients with a recurrence.

Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid-Related Complications After Posterior Fossa and Posterolateral Skull Base Surgeries: Development of a Predictive Model and Clinical Risk Score.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pseudomeningocele (PMC) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak are common complications following posterior fossa and posterolateral skull base surgeries. We sought to 1) determine the rate of CSF-related complications and 2) develop a perioperative model and risk score to identify the highest risk patients for these events. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort of 450 patients undergoing posterior fossa and posterolateral skull base procedures from 2016 to 2020. Logistic regressions were performed for predictor selection for 3 prespecified models: 1) a priori variables, 2) predictors selected by large effect sizes, and 3) predictors with P ≤ 0.100 on univariable analysis. A final model was created by elimination of nonsignificant predictors, and the integer-based postoperative CSF-related complications (POCC) clinical risk score was derived. Internal validation was done using 10-fold cross-validation and bootstrapping with uniform shrinkage. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients (25.6%) developed PMC and/or CSF leakage. Age >55 years (odds ratio [OR], 0.560; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.328-0.954), body mass index >30 kg/m2 (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.14-3.10), and postoperative CSF diversion (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.64-5.00) were associated with CSF leak and PMC. Model 2 was the most predictive (cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.690). The final risk score was devised using age, body mass index class, dural repair technique, use of bone substitute, and duration of postoperative CSF diversion. The POCC score performed well (cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.761) and was highly specific (96.1%). CONCLUSIONS: We created the first generalizable and predictive risk score to identify patients at risk of CSF-related complications. The POCC score could improve surveillance, inform doctor-patient discussions regarding the risks of surgery, and assist in perioperative management.

Intraoperative application of triamcinolone - a risk factor for delayed CSF fistula formation?

PURPOSE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a well-known complication in spinal surgery, caused mostly by incidental durotomy (ID). However, delayed pseudomeningocele formation has been described in patients following an unremarkable surgery - without ID. Intraoperative and epidural triamcinolone application has been suspected to be a potential risk factor. This study was conducted to evaluate the management of ID and identify further risk factors for secondary CSF fistula formation. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee, a total of about 5512 patients, who underwent spine surgery between January 2014 and December 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. Of those, 139 cases with intraoperative ID and 15 with delayed pseudomeningocele formation were extracted and analyzed to identify potential risk factors for a late presenting dural injury (LPDI). RESULTS: The incidence of delayed CSF fistulas was 0.27%, with 15 patients presenting with a secondary symptomatic CSF fistula following an unremarkable surgery. Triamcinolone was identified as a risk factor (p<0.001) for pseudomeningocele formation with an OR of 11.5, as it was applied in 80.0% (n=12) of these cases. Revision surgery was performed at a mean period of 6 weeks after initial surgery. CONCLUSION: In our retrospective analysis, intraoperative application of triamcinolone was significantly associated with a high rate of delayed CSF fistulas. It should therefore be used with caution and only after weighing in potential negative side effects.

How I do it? Endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid repair of sphenoid lateral recess cerebrospinal fluid leak after previous unsuccessful transcranial surgery.

BACKGROUND: Direct access to the sphenoid lateral recess offers the best chance of sealing spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea caused by lateral sphenoid encephaloceles of the Sternberg canal defect. METHOD: We present a case of spontaneous left-sided sphenoid lateral recess CSF leak after previous unsuccessful transcranial surgery managed with an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach (EETA). An anatomical-based step-by-step illustration of the EETA was presented in the surgical video. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the value of endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid corridor in the exposure and manipulation of the sphenoid lateral recess.

Pediatric Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair: An Endoscopic Endonasal Approach.

Background: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea in the pediatric population is an exceedingly rare condition that occurs when the dura mater is breached, resulting in CSF drainage from the subarachnoid space into surrounding sinonasal tissue. Objective: This work delineates a step-by-step surgical approach to visually demonstrate the feasibility of an uninarial endoscopic endonasal approach for pediatric spontaneous CSF leak repair. Postoperative Outcome: A 2-year-old male with a 6-month history of clear rhinorrhea, intermittent headaches, and a previous episode of bacterial meningitis was evaluated as an inpatient consultation. Computed tomography cisternography revealed active CSF extravasation at the right sphenoid sinus roof. An endoscopic endonasal approach was performed including a complete sphenoethmoidectomy plus middle turbinectomy to provide access to the skull base defect. Once identified, a middle turbinate free mucosal graft was placed for cranial base reconstruction given the child's young agre. Sinonasal debridement 3 weeks following surgery under anesthesia revealed an intact viable graft with no evidence of CSF leak. There was no evidence of CSF leak recurrence or complications 1 year following surgery. Conclusion: The uninarial endoscopic endonasal approach is a safe and effective option for the surgical management of spontaneous CSF leak rhinorrhea in the pediatric population.

Intraoperative Visualization of Flow in Direct Cerebrospinal Fluid-Venous Fistulas Using Intrathecal Fluorescein.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistulas (CVFs) are a rare cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Intraoperatively, CVFs are not readily identifiable and difficult to differentiate from normal veins. OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of intrathecal fluorescein injection intraoperatively to visualize and identify the CVF. METHODS: We report a case series of patients treated surgically for a CVF. After surgical exposure, we injected intrathecal fluorescein (5-10 mg) through a lumbar catheter, which we placed immediately before surgery. RESULTS: Four patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension with a suspected CVF underwent surgical ligation with adjunctive intrathecal fluorescein application. Intraoperative fluorescein injection confirmed the presence of a CVF in 3 cases. In 2 cases, we observed rapid fluorescein filling of a single epidural vein constituting the CVF. Other epidural vessels did not fill with fluorescein. In 1 case, fluorescein helped to identify a residual CVF after previous incomplete embolization. In the fourth case, no CVF was found intraoperatively. By contrast, a meningeal nerve root diverticulum was visualized, wrapped, and clipped. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate for the first time the direct intraoperative visualization of CVF using intrathecal fluorescein. CVF can be identified intraoperatively using fluorescein dye, which can be a valuable adjunct for the surgeon confronted with this disease.

Extraordinary Complication of COVID-19 Swab Testing: CSF Rhinorrhea.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease that has reached pandemic status. The diagnosis of COVID-19 is made using the polymerase chain reaction test to evaluate a swab taken from the naso/oro-pharyngeal area. Since COVID-19 is still a pandemic, it is thought that the use of this diagnostic test will be on the agenda for a while. A patient with COVID-19 symptoms presented with unilateral cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea after a nasopharyngeal swab test. Although nasopharyngeal swabs are taken very frequently, the complication rate is very low. However, life-threatening complications can be observed on rare occasions, and care should be taken.

COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab and cribriform fracture.

Since the start of the pandemic, over 400 million COVID-19 swab tests have been conducted in the UK with a non-trivial number associated with skull base injury. Given the continuing use of nasopharyngeal swabs, further cases of swab-associated skull base injury are anticipated. We describe a 54-year-old woman presenting with persistent colourless nasal discharge for 2 weeks following a traumatic COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab. A ß2-transferrin test confirmed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea and a high-resolution sinus computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a cribriform plate defect. Magnetic resonance imaging showed radiological features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): a Yuh grade V empty sella and thinned anterior skull base. Twenty-four hour intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring confirmed raised pressures, prompting insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The patient underwent CT cisternography and endoscopic transnasal repair of the skull base defect using a fluorescein adjuvant, without complications. A systematic search was performed to identify cases of COVID-19 swab-related injury. Eight cases were obtained, of which three presented with a history of IIH. Two cases were complicated by meningitis and were managed conservatively, whereas six required endoscopic skull base repair and one had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt inserted. A low threshold for high-resolution CT scanning is suggested for patients presenting with rhinorrhoea following a nasopharyngeal swab. The literature review suggests an underlying association between IIH, CSF rhinorrhoea and swab-related skull base injury. We highlight a comprehensive management pathway for these patients, including high-resolution CT with cisternography, ICP monitoring, shunt and fluorescein-based endoscopic repair to achieve the best standard of care.

Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea in a Patient With Breast Cancer.

Despite the well documented increased risk of osteopenia in patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (CSFR) is still rare. The authors present a case of spontaneous CSFR that occurred during chemotherapy and endocrine therapy for breast cancer. The patient underwent a repair using myofascia and adipose tissue and was started on mannitol. There was no recurrence at 1-year follow-up. Therefore, clinicians should pay attention to the possibility of CSFR in patients with breast cancer, to avoid misdiagnosis.

Spontaneous skull base cerebrospinal fluid leak during pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension can lead to dural defects and spontaneous leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the skull base. Skull base CSF leaks are rarely reported in pregnancy but pose unique challenges for obstetricians and anesthesiologists. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old G4P1021 at 14 weeks developed debilitating headaches and CSF rhinorrhea. Brain imaging revealed a bony defect of the sphenoid sinus with a meningoencephalocele and a partially empty sella, consistent with CSF leakage from a skull base defect. The patient was neurologically stable without signs of meningitis; thus, management was focused on symptomatic alleviation. A planned cesarean section was performed at 38 weeks under spinal anesthesia. The patient had spontaneous marked improvement of her symptoms postpartum. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy may exacerbate skull base CSF leaks, requiring careful management with a multidisciplinary team. Neuraxial anesthesia can safely be performed in pregnant individuals with spontaneous skull base CSF leakage, but further studies are needed to determine the safest mode of delivery in these patients.

Sphenoidal meningoencephalocele associated with CSF fistula and arteriovenous malformation Spetzler-Martin V: A case report.

Cerebral Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are presumed congenital anomalies of the blood vessels, which can increase intracranial pressure by uncertain mechanisms. We report the rare case of a 55-year-old male patient who complained about CSF rhinorrhea. Persisting CSF leakage prompted CT, which evidenced a bone defect in the right middle cranial fossa with protruding brain tissue. The diagnosis of a sphenoidal meningoencephalocele was made. Neuroimaging evidenced an AVM Spetzler Martin V. The lesion was targeted via an endonasal approach with resection of the herniated brain tissue and closure of the bony and dural defects. The postoperative course was uneventful without recurrence of the CSF fistula. Documentation of these cases is essential to come up with standardized therapeutical protocols and follow-up. Nevertheless, conservative management of the AVM and surgical repair of the bone defects is an appropriate approach in the first instance, depending on the morphology and characterization of the AVM.

Analysis of the Causes and Experience in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Meningocele Caused by Sternberg's Canal of the Sphenoid Sinus: Two Case Reports and a Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to improve the diagnosis and treatment outcome of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea caused by patent meningoencephalocele of Sternberg's canal of the sphenoid sinus by analyzing the clinical data and imaging features of two rare cases of this disease and by reviewing the relevant literature for possible etiology, diagnoses, and treatments. METHODS: Together with the relevant literature, we retrospectively studied the clinical and imaging data of two patients (mother and child) with CSF rhinorrhea caused by patent meningoencephalocele of Sternberg's canal of the sphenoid sinus, analyzed their diagnostic and treatment procedures, and proposed a potential, feasible treatment method. RESULTS: On the 2nd day after surgery, the expansive sponge and iodoform gauze in the nasal cavity were removed in both patients, and the lumbar subarachnoid drainage was removed 3 days after the operation, as no nasal discharge was observed. One week after the operation, head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the abnormal tissue in the sphenoid sinus had disappeared, and no accumulation of the CSF was observed. Both patients were discharged after 2 weeks. At the time of discharge, both patients were without nasal drip, fever, headache, and other discomforts, and they had grade 5 muscle strength in their extremities, with normal muscle tension. CONCLUSION: CSF rhinorrhea is usually caused by secondary factors. Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea caused by encephalocele of the skull base due to congenital dysplasia of the skull base is very rare and easily misdiagnosed. The presence of brain tissue or CSF signal in the sphenoid sinus on preoperative MR images is an important imaging feature of the disease. Conditional cisternography can be used to further detect CSF leaks. Endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal repair of CSF leaks combined with short-term postoperative lumbar subarachnoid drainage is an effective treatment method. According to previous literature, the possible causes of meningoencephalocele with patent Sternberg's canal of the sphenoid sinus include abnormal development of the sphenoid sinus or the craniopharyngeal canal and bone defects of the skull base. There are no related reports on patent meningoencephalocele caused by Sternberg's canal in direct blood relatives, such as mother-son; therefore, the possibility of this disease having a genetic origin should be considered in future studies on its pathophysiological mechanisms.