Delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak following septoplasty.
We report on the clinical syndrome of delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak following septoplasty. We describe 2 such cases that we treated, and 1 other case described in the literature. A review of these 3 cases indicates a characteristic clinical and radiologic presentation and a consistent site of cerebrospinal fluid leak. All cases presented with cerebrospinal fluid leak 12 to 22 weeks after septoplasty and had slit-shaped dehiscences at the horizontal lamella of the cribriform plate. Endoscopic repair was successful in all. Delayed cerebrospinal fluid leaks may occur as a consequence of septal surgery. It is probable that uncontrolled twisting and rocking manipulations of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone are transmitted to, and injure, the cribriform plate.
Thakar
Alok
A
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Lal
Priti
P
Verma
Rohit
R
D000328:Adult; D002559:Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005004:Ethmoid Bone / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors