Multiple spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks: a rare case report and review of literature

While a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak (sCSFL) is a rare phenomenon, patients who present with multiple cerebrospinal fluid leaks (mCSFLs) are an even rarer entity. There have been documented cases reported over the last decades, but many with only limited descriptions of each patient. We present a mCSFL patient as a case report and demonstrate the need for future prospective studies to improve further understanding and management of the condition. This is explored through summarizing the literature on mCSFLs to the present time. A 45-year-old obese female presented with a 5-week history of bilateral clear nasal discharge with no previous surgery or trauma. Initially misdiagnosed as allergic rhinitis, nasal discharge was later confirmed positive for beta-2-transferrin and a CT scan revealed multiple bony areas of skull base erosion. The patient underwent image guided endoscopic sinus surgery with multilayer skull base defect repair of three active CSFLs. Three months post-operatively the patient had no evidence of a recurrence. As mCSFL tend to be sporadic and asymptomatic in nature, it is likely they are underreported. Future prospective studies in the area of mCSFLs that take into consideration demographic and geographical information are needed for more accurate interpretation and better recruitment. Additionally, studies need to ensure longer follow-up time due to the underlying chronicity of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and investigate whether or not a non-active leak site should be repaired or left alone.