Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: A Case Report

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea refers to the loss of CSF through the nasal cavity. Its causes can be classified as either spontaneous or non-spontaneous. Spontaneous causes of CSF rhinorrhea include congenital anatomical defects and are extremely rare, accounting for less than 4% of reported cases. Following failure of conservative management, definitive treatment most commonly involves an endoscopic transsphenoidal repair of the defect. We present a case of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea in a previously well 52-year-old female, which required surgical intervention due to failure of conservative management.

Spontaneous Cerebro-Spinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea Caused by Sustained Intracranial Hypertension

“…In the same way, obesity triggers a rise in intra-abdominal pressure, causing the elevation of the diaphragm and ultimately leading to increased cardiac and pleural pressures. This decreases venous return to the heart from the brain and causes ICH [ 9 ]. The patient in the present case had idiopathic intracranial hypertension, as suggestive by the old MRI head with contrast which showed tortuous optic nerves with prominent perioptic CSF spaces flattening of the optic nerves and an empty Sella Turcica.…”

“…In the case of our patient, blood investigation for Beta-2 transferrin turned out positive. A study [ 9 ] was unable to assess beta-2 transferrin testing the use of comparative glucose concentrations of the draining fluid. Glucose in secretions indicates the presence of CSF.…”