[Spontaneous defects of the lateral cranial base. 1. Clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapy]

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea (SCFO) or rhinorrhea originating from laterobasal defects is uncommon. An immediate closure of the defect is mandatory due to the risk of life-threatening meningitis. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and to present two additional case reports with emphasis on diagnostic problems and surgical techniques.

Two adults have been treated for SCFO in our clinic. A 62-year-old woman was complaining of pertinent otorrhea after placement of a ventilation tube and conservative treatment of serous otitis for 1 year elsewhere. A 66-year-old male patient had been treated for acute pneumococcal meningitis. He presented with unilateral deafness and vertigo 3 months later. High-Resolution-Computer-Tomography (HRCT) revealed a unilateral defect in the female and a bilateral defect in the male patient. A transmastoidal approach was used to amputate the meningoencephalocele and modified (Mini-Craniotomy) in the second (male) patient. The defect was closed in two layers using allogenic material and fibrin glue.

One year after surgery both patients were free of symptoms and defect closure remained stable in HRCT and under microscopic view.

SCFO from tegment defects is an uncommon cause of otorrhea and even rhinorrhea. History and clinical presentation of our patients can be regarded as typical for adults with SCFO. Evaluation of history, HRCT and a high index of suspicion is a prerequisite for correct diagnosis. The approach (transmastoidal, transtemporal, Mini-Craniotomy) to repair leaks of the tegmen should be related to the extent of the defect.