title: Refractory Thoracolumbar Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak after Multiple Spinal Ependymoma Resections Treated with External Ventricular Drainage.
abstract: Study Design Case report. Objective Temporary external ventricular drainage for refractory thoracolumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is not reported in the literature. We describe a recent case that utilized this technique. Methods Retrospective review of the patient's case notes was performed and the literature on this subject reviewed. Results The patient underwent multiple complex spinal surgeries for resection of innumerable metastatic ependymoma lesions. A case of significant refractory CSF leak developed and as a last resort a right frontal external ventricular drain was placed. The CSF leak ceased, and the patient was eventually discharged home without further complication. Conclusion External ventricular drainage can be a viable option for temporary proximal CSF diversion to treat refractory thoracolumbar CSF leaks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Galgano
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hazama
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States; Neurovascular and Stroke Center, Crouse Neuroscience Institute, Syracuse, New York, United States.
authors.forename: Eric M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Deshaies
keywords: cerebrospinal fluid leak; dural defect; ependymoma; external ventricular drain
references.citation: J Neurosci Nurs. 2008 Apr;40(2):116-8
references.pmid: 18481742
references.citation: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1998 Dec;80(12):1728-32
references.pmid: 9875930
references.citation: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1989 Aug;71(7):984-7
references.pmid: 2760094
references.citation: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1981 Sep;63(7):1132-6
references.pmid: 7024283
references.citation: Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2014 Jul 15;39(16):E936-43
references.pmid: 25010015