title: Skull base anatomy and CSF rhinorrhea.
abstract: The skull base is an intricate interface between the cranium and face allowing the passageway of vital structures. Anatomic conceptualization forms the platform for surgical approaches and solutions to skull base pathology. Understanding embryogenesis provides further depth into the pathophysiology of congenital defects. This chapter aims to highlight skull base anatomy and embryology along with cerebrospinal fluid physiology and diagnostic evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. allen_lam@meei.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Allen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Holbrook
mesh_terms: D002559:Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009666:Nose; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D011011:Pneumoencephalography / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D019291:Skull Base / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods