[The diagnosis of cerebrospinal rhinorrhea with the 131I-hippuran swab test]

Abstract

The report deals with the 131I-hippuran swab test and its effectiveness as compared with other methods (X-ray techniques, Clinistix) in 123 patients with rhinoliquorrhea. Results in 32 patients with rhinoliquorrhea are correlated with those of various methods of examination and with the surgical reports. In frontal and ethmoidal lesions and in those of the middle part of the face the liquorrheas can be demonstrated with a greater probability and even in cases where other methods are ineffective. An exact diagnosis was made in 88% of the cases. This semi-quantitative method is also suitable for follow-up control since, in contrast to other techniques, even discrete liquorrheas can be identified considering that a subjectively observed cessation of flow may not be equated with an occlusion of the liquor fistula as shown by the 131I-hippuran swab test, which continues to be positive.