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Updated: May 11, 2026
06:59
Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
[A case report: a repeated cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea]
Yasuhiro Arai1, Naoko Sakuma, Daisuke Sano
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yokohama City University School of Medicine.
Nihon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho
|May 18, 2013
Summary
Repeated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea, a rare condition, can occur after middle ear surgery. This case highlights successful surgical repair of recurrent CSF leaks, even after a decade, using different approaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea involves CSF leakage through ear structures, often due to skull defects, tumors, or congenital issues.
- Recurrent CSF otorrhea is uncommon, posing diagnostic and management challenges.
Observation:
- A patient presented with repeated CSF otorrhea 10 years after initial middle ear surgery for chronic otitis media.
- The initial CSF leak was repaired via a transmastoid approach, but a meningoencephalocele with CSF leakage recurred 8 years later.
Findings:
- The recurrent CSF fistula was successfully repaired using a transmiddle cranial fossa approach.
- The patient remained free of CSF leakage for 2 years post-surgery, indicating a favorable outcome.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering recurrent CSF otorrhea in patients with a history of ear surgery and persistent otorrhea.
- Advanced surgical techniques, such as the transmiddle cranial fossa approach, can effectively manage complex and recurrent CSF fistulas.
- Long-term follow-up is crucial to ensure the durability of surgical repair for CSF otorrhea.
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