Endoscopic repair of traumatic CSF rhinorrhea in a pediatric patient

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea typically results from trauma to the skull base, producing leaks through either the cribiform plate region or the sphenoid bone. Traditional approaches to the repair of such leaks include a frontal craniotomy or external ethmoidectomy. An endoscopic approach through the nose has also proven to be successful. A 7-year-old male suffered traumatic CSF rhinorrhea and development of a meningocele in the region of the cribiform plate. After demonstrating the site of the leak with fluorescein dye, the defect was repaired via a transnasal endoscopic approach. The evaluation of the child with CSF rhinorrhea, including the presenting symptoms and signs and the radiographic assessment, is presented. The variety of approaches, types of repair and post-operative care are also discussed.