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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
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Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
[Cerebrospinal fluid leak due to inner ear malformations]
Takeshi Mikami1, Yoshihiro Minamida, Tetsuo Himi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Sapporo Medical University, S1W16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan. tmikami@sapmed.ac.jp
No Shinkei Geka. Neurological Surgery
|September 21, 2006
Summary
Recurrent meningitis in a 66-year-old female was linked to rare inner ear anomalies, including bony labyrinth dysplasia and enlarged internal auditory canal. Surgical confirmation revealed cerebrospinal fluid leakage through a stapedial footplate defect.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Recurrent meningitis can have diverse etiologies, necessitating thorough investigation.
- Inner ear malformations are infrequently associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and meningitis.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old female presented with two episodes of meningitis within a year.
- Imaging revealed bony labyrinth dysplasia and an enlarged internal auditory canal (IAC).
- Surgical exploration identified a bony defect in the stapedial footplate with CSF leakage into the obliterated inner ear.
Findings:
- The patient's recurrent meningitis was attributed to a congenital inner ear malformation.
- Confirmed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage through a defect at the stapedial footplate.
- The inner ear anomaly led to recurrent meningitis due to abnormal communication.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare inner ear malformations in patients with recurrent meningitis and CSF otorrhea.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can prevent further episodes of meningitis.
- Neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists should be aware of this rare but significant association.
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