Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid otorhinorrhea

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea implies the observation of CSF draining from the ear or nose without any previous history of traumatic or infectious etiology. The term does not exclude embryologic or developmental abnormalities. The condition may be life-threatening. Thus far it has been reported about twenty times. Because it is rare, misdiagnosis or failure to make a timely early diagnosis is common and proper therapy may be delayed. The purpose of this article is to review pertinent literature on this subject and to present two additional case reports. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy of diagnosis and on the surgical technique employed in repair of the discovered defect.