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Neuro-ophthalmology (Aeolus Press) Aug 2019The purpose of this study is to evaluate the importance of neuro-ophthalmological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the identification of the aetiology of...
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the importance of neuro-ophthalmological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the identification of the aetiology of rhinorrhoea, and the differentiation of spontaneous rhinorrhoea from non-spontaneous rhinorrhoea. MR images of 25 patients with spontaneous and 21 patients with non-spontaneous rhinorrhoea were evaluated for the presence of neuro-ophthalmological findings of intracranial hypertension (IHT). These include optic nerve vertical tortuosity, optic nerve sheath enlargement, flattening of the posterior sclera and optic nerve protrusion, as well as other MRI findings of ICH, such as partial empty sella, dilatation of Meckel's cave and the presence of arachnoid pits. IHT findings were more common in the spontaneous group. Six criteria (optic nerve distention, optic nerve vertical tortuosity, posterior flattening of the sclera, partial empty sella, Meckel's cave dilatation and presence of arachnoid pits) differentiate between patient and control groups. Patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks should be evaluated for signs of IHT on MRI, as they are present in the majority of spontaneous CSF leaks and are representative of increased intracranial pressure.
PubMed: 31528189
DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2018.1540643 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons Mar 2023Spontaneous rhinorrhea may be the initial manifestation of ecchordosis physaliphora (EP). There are currently 47 published cases of symptomatic EP, with spontaneous...
BACKGROUND
Spontaneous rhinorrhea may be the initial manifestation of ecchordosis physaliphora (EP). There are currently 47 published cases of symptomatic EP, with spontaneous rhinorrhea being one of the most prevalent symptoms. The authors report 1 case as a cause of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula.
OBSERVATIONS
A 46-year-old woman presented to the authors' clinic with meningitis secondary to nasal CSF leakage. The computed tomography (CT) scan indicated an imperceptibly thin/dehiscent focus along the posterior wall of the sphenoid air cell's midline. A tumor was identified during endoscopic endonasal CSF repair surgery. EP was diagnosed in the frozen and final pathology.
LESSONS
EP should be considered as a potential cause of spontaneous rhinorrhea. This initial clinical manifestation accounts for 35% of symptomatic EP cases. The prepontine and posterior sphenoid sinus wall appear to be the locations with the highest susceptibility. Surgical therapy of the fistula without excision of the lesion may result in insufficient issue resolution and recurrence.
PubMed: 37014027
DOI: 10.3171/CASE236 -
Cureus Mar 2022Background and objective Knowledge about sphenoid sinus pneumatization is critical for skull base surgeries and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in order to...
Background and objective Knowledge about sphenoid sinus pneumatization is critical for skull base surgeries and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in order to avoid serious complications like postoperative meningitis, sinusitis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, and intracranial hematoma. In this study, we aimed to assess the proportion of anatomical variants in sphenoid sinus pneumatization and to determine the common sphenoid pneumatization pattern in a South Indian population. Methods This retrospective study was conducted over a period of six months from July 2019 to December 2019 among 573 patients who underwent non-contrast CT (NCCT) or contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) of the brain, paranasal sinuses (PNS), orbit, and face. Results Most of the patients were in the age group of 20-39 years. The male-to-female ratio was 2.45:1. Among the posterior extensions, the most common variant was type D, followed by type C, type B, and type A. Among the clival extensions, the most common variant was Cliv-A, followed by Cliv-B, Cliv-C, and Cliv-D. The most common lateral wall pneumatization was bilateral lateral wall pneumatization followed by unilateral sinus wall pneumatization. Lat-A was the most common lateral wall pneumatization pattern followed by Lat-D, Lat-B, and Lat-C. Conclusion Our study intends to classify the sphenoid sinus pneumatization pattern and identify the most common variant among them, thereby guiding the skull base and FESS surgeons in choosing the correct mode of the operative procedure and also anticipating and avoiding complications of surgery.
PubMed: 35433147
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23174 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Mar 2019Cerebrospinal fluid Rhinorrhoea is caused by an abnormal open communication between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity. The most common anatomic sites of such...
Cerebrospinal fluid Rhinorrhoea is caused by an abnormal open communication between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity. The most common anatomic sites of such abnormal communication are found in the anterior skull base, namely, ethmoid roof, olfactory groove, roof of the sphenoid sinus and the posterior wall of the frontal sinus. It can be classified into traumatic or spontaneous. Spontaneous leaks are associated with highest recurrence rates following surgical repair. The repair of CSF Rhinorrhoea has rapidly evolved over the past 30 years. Prior to the advent of the endoscopic approach, craniotomy was used for repairs which carried a variable success rate and morbidity. The purpose of our study was to ascertain the outcome after Transnasal Endoscopic Repair of spontaneous CSF leaks. This was a prospective study conducted at the Department of ENT at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi between January 2015 and June 2016. The study comprised of eleven patients who presented with the complaint of watery nasal discharge and were diagnosed to have spontaneous CSF Rhinorrhoea. Proper clinical examination, nasal endoscopy and biochemical and cytological analysis of nasal secretions of the patient was done. High Resolution Computed Tomography and MRI scans of the nose and paranasal sinuses were done to identify precise location of CSF leak and the size of fistula. CT cisternography was done wherever required. Fistula was repaired via Transnasal endoscopic approach in a multi layered underlay fashion. Out of all eleven patients with spontaneous CSF leaks, most common site of leak was from left cribriform area. Four patients (36.36%) were found to have meningoencephalocele. No associated intracranial lesion was found and all patients did not have any benign intracranial hypertension. Our success rate of endoscopic repair on first attempt was 100% with recurrence in 1 patient after 4 months of repair. Endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea is safe and effective, with a very low complication rate. It has almost completely replaced the older open techniques. Accurate localization of leak site followed by multilayered closure of dural defect appear to be essential for successful endoscopic repair.
PubMed: 30906718
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-018-1485-2 -
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology,... Dec 2017Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are infrequent and only 10 cases in the literature have been located in the clivus. We describe two new cases of CSF...
INTRODUCTION
Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are infrequent and only 10 cases in the literature have been located in the clivus. We describe two new cases of CSF fistulas in this site and review the literature.
CASE REPORT
The first patient was a 52-year-old woman referred to our centre for intermittent rhinorrhea that had been diagnosed after an episode of meningitis. The second case was a 69-year-old man who was visited for rhinorrhea of one-year duration; he also developed meningitis during the preoperative study. In both cases, the spontaneous CSF fistula was diagnosed by beta-2-transferrin testing, CT scan and MRI. We performed an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach and used free grafts and vascularized flaps to close the clival defect. Treatment was successful in both cases.
DISCUSSION
The physiopathology of spontaneous CSF fistulas remains unknown. Possible explanations given to date in this location are pulsatility of the basilar artery, repeated Valsalva maneuvers and Marfan's disease, the two latter also related to CSF fistulas in other locations. Closure of a CSF leak towards the nasal cavity is mandatory due to potential complications. Our results support the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach using free grafts and/or pediculated flaps as a good alternative to open surgery.
Topics: Aged; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Female; Fistula; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Meningitis; Middle Aged; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Neuroendoscopy; Nose; Surgical Flaps; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28410953
DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2016.10.007 -
Surgical Neurology International 2022Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakages are well documented, but pituitary adenoma with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea as the initial symptoms are extremely rare....
BACKGROUND
Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakages are well documented, but pituitary adenoma with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea as the initial symptoms are extremely rare. The objective of this study is to report two rare cases of pituitary adenoma with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea successfully operated by endoscopic transsphenoidal approach with vascularized nasoseptal flap (NSF).
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 70-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of watery rhinorrhea and posterior nasal drip that worsened when her head leaning forward. Sella magnetic resonance image (MRI) demonstrated pituitary macroadenoma (3.4 × 2.7 cm) invading cavernous sinus, clivus, and sphenoid sinus. A 47-year-old woman presented with a 10-month history of watery rhinorrhea and posterior nasal drip. Sella MRI demonstrated pituitary macroadenoma (6.3 × 4.6 cm) invading cavernous sinus, clivus, sphenoid sinus, and middle fossa. Both patients underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal operation and skull base reconstruction with vascularized NSF. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful and CSF rhinorrhea disappeared completely.
CONCLUSION
Pituitary adenoma should be suspected if there is a watery CSF rhinorrhea that occurs without a history of trauma or nasal disease. In addition, effective treatment can be performed using NSF, a technique for endoscopic skull base reconstruction.
PubMed: 35855160
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_61_2022 -
Journal of Neurological Surgery. Part... Dec 2023Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the anterior cranial base are frequently repaired with endonasal, multilayered reconstructions. Vascularized tissue flaps are...
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the anterior cranial base are frequently repaired with endonasal, multilayered reconstructions. Vascularized tissue flaps are superior to free mucosal grafts and biomaterials in many cases. Limitations of previously described flaps include reach, rotation, pedicle availability, and postoperative sinonasal morbidity. The objective of this study is to describe the superiorly based middle turbinate flap, a novel vascularized mucosal reconstruction option, and to present a case series demonstrating flap utility. Cadaveric feasibility study with technical description and illustrative case series. Tertiary medical center. Three silicone-injected cadaveric specimens (6 sides); 7 patients with CSF rhinorrhea from bony dehiscence of the anterior cranial fossa repaired with a superiorly based middle turbinate flap. Cadaveric feasibility, in vivo repair outcomes, sinonasal symptoms, and postoperative healing. Cadaveric dissection demonstrated a consistent vascular plexus arising from the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries, originating at the superior attachment of the middle turbinate and traveling inferiorly to supply the mucosa of the middle turbinate. Mean surface area of the flap was 776.67 ± 114.60 mm . The clinical series of 7 patients involved leaks around the cribriform plate and fovea ethmoidalis. There were no instances of repair failure. All cases showed rapid and complete remucosalization without significant sinonasal morbidity. The superiorly based middle turbinate flap is a reliable, versatile, and effective option for a vascularized mucosal flap onlay that can be used in anterior skull base reconstruction. This flap is particularly useful in the repair of defects involving the cribriform plate and fovea ethmoidalis.
PubMed: 37854540
DOI: 10.1055/a-1934-9095 -
Gland Surgery Oct 2020Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are tumors that arise from the cells of the anterior pituitary gland. PAs are the most common tumors to occur in the sella area and the third...
BACKGROUND
Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are tumors that arise from the cells of the anterior pituitary gland. PAs are the most common tumors to occur in the sella area and the third most common intracranial neoplasm in surgery. Due to developments such as microscopy and neuroendoscopy, the curative effect of PA surgery continues to improve. However, postoperative complications may still occur. PA surgery can result in iatrogenic trauma, which is a primary cause of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. PA surgery can affect the posterior pituitary gland, causing decreased antidiuretic hormone secretion and increased urine output, which can lead to hyponatremia. The nasal cavity and sphenoid sinuses may also be damaged during PA surgery, causing the sphenoethmoidal recess to be blocked. This increases the risk of infection. The purpose of this study was to analyze quality of life in PA patients post-resection, and to provide references for the development of early targeted risk assessment programs and intervention measures.
METHODS
We selected patients who underwent neuroendoscopic transnasal PA resection at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University between January 2017 and October 2019. These patients' hospital records were retrospectively obtained, including details of any postoperative complications. The patients were followed up by telephone 12 weeks following discharge, and we used the EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) health scale to assess the patients' quality of life.
RESULTS
At follow-up 3 months after discharge, 68 people (41.72%) had experienced at least one common complication, including 7 cases of infection (4.29%), 56 cases of hypopituitarism (34.36%), 18 cases of CSF rhinorrhea (11.04%), 28 cases of diabetes insipidus (17.18%), and 25 cases of hyponatremia (15.34%). Patients that experienced complications reported having more serious problems on the dimensions of the EQ-5D descriptive system (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) than patients without complications. The scores of patients with complications on the EQ-5D visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) were lower than that of patients without complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative complications are negatively associated with quality of life in PA patients. Actively preventing common complications could therefore improve these patients' quality of life and reduce their burden of disease.
PubMed: 33224827
DOI: 10.21037/gs-20-690 -
Neurology India 2022Spontaneous (nontraumatic, nonsurgical) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea constitute only 3-4% of all cases. Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old male who...
Spontaneous (nontraumatic, nonsurgical) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea constitute only 3-4% of all cases. Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old male who presented with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, where intraoperative findings revealed an anterior clival defect as the cause. Such cases are extremely rare, and to the best of our knowledge only five of such cases are described in the literature. In this report, we discuss the possible etiology and management of this rare condition.
Topics: Aged; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Humans; Male
PubMed: 35263912
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.338711 -
Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches to Craniovertebral Junction Pathologies: A Single-Center Experience.Turkish Neurosurgery Aug 2018The craniovertebral junction is a remarkable anatomical area with unique anatomical and functional relationships, which present difficult challenges for surgeons. The...
AIM
The craniovertebral junction is a remarkable anatomical area with unique anatomical and functional relationships, which present difficult challenges for surgeons. The traditional approach to addressing pathologies in this area is microscopic transoral resection with posterior fixation; however, endoscopic endonasal clivus and odontoid surgeries now currently gaining interest as alternative approaches. We reviewed our experience of using the endoscopic endonasal approach at our institution.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We retrospectively evaluated 41 patients (21 male, 20 female; age range, 2-65 years) who underwent endoscopic endonasal procedures for craniovertebral junction pathologies between 2008 and 2017.
RESULTS
Of the 41 patients, 27 had clivus lesions, 7 had odontoid lesions, 6 had basilar invagination and 1 had rhinorrhea repair. Six patients underwent an additional posterior decompression/fusion either before or after the endonasal procedure. None of the patients required tracheostomy and cerebrospinal fluid leakage was detected in one patient postoperatively. The patients' mean modified Rankin scale and visual analog scale scores were 3 and 4 respectively. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 50 months.
CONCLUSION
Although the microscopic transoral approach has been considered the gold standard for craniovertebral junction surgical management, endoscopic approaches are feasible, safe, and effective for addressing pathologies in this region, with developing technique and experience.
PubMed: 30649807
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.23781-18.2