Current management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Forty-two patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea presenting over a 5 year period were analyzed as to age, sex, etiology, anatomical and clinical findings, and methods of investigation and treatment. Eighty-eight were traumatic in origin, with the most common anatomical sites being ethmoid, frontal and sphenoid sinuses, and the cribriform plate region. Meningitis and pneumocephalus were the most frequently associated clinical findings each present in 31% of the cases. Chemical analysis of the CSF for protein was positive in 88% of cases vs. 13% when the protein content was quantitatively analyzed. The demonstration and localization of CSF leaks were most effective using metrizamide and CAT scanning when they were active and by indium cisternography when they were small, intermittent, or questionable. The clinical management was divided into medical and surgical approaches with the advantages and disadvantages discussed.