Connective tissue disorders with spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks and intracranial hypotension: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
Intracranial hypotension attributable to a spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is an increasingly recognized cause of postural headaches. The cause of these leaks is poorly understood, but it is likely multifactorial and may involve a primary connective tissue disorder. We undertook a study to estimate the contribution of systemic connective tissue disorders to the development of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks.


METHODS
We examined a group of 18 consecutive patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks for features of a connective tissue disorder.


RESULTS
The mean age of the 15 female patients and 3 male patients was 38 years (range, 22-55 yr). Seven patients (38%) demonstrated stigmata of a systemic connective tissue disorder, and three distinct types of disorders could be identified, as follows. 1) The association of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks and minor skeletal features of Marfan syndrome was noted for three patients. 2) Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Type II was noted for two patients. 3) Joint hypermobility associated with marked attenuation of the dorsal muscular fascia, precluding proper wound closure, was noted for two patients. In addition, isolated small-joint hypermobility was observed for five patients (28%). Slit-lamp ocular examinations, echocardiographic evaluations, histopathological examinations of skin biopsy specimens, and renal scanning did not reveal any other features of a systemic connective tissue disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggesting connective tissue disorders are common among patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks, and manifestations may be subtle. A variety of disorders can be identified, probably reflecting genetic heterogeneity. Problems with wound healing may occur as a result of the systemic nature of the underlying connective tissue disorder.
Schievink
Wouter I
WI
Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA. schievinkw@cshs.org
Gordon
Ora Karp
OK
Tourje
James
J
D000328:Adult; D004535:Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019585:Intracranial Hypotension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008382:Marfan Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013353:Subdural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology