[Multiple skull base defects: features of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk factors of multiple skull base defects, as well as features of diagnosis and treatment of this pathology.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A retrospective analysis included 39 patients who underwent surgery for nasal CSF leakage at the Burdenko Neurosurgical Center in 2000-2019. The study recruited patients with multiple simultant skull base defects.

RESULTS

Traumatic defects were observed in 23 (59%) patients, spontaneous defects - in 16 (41%) cases. All patients underwent endoscopic endonasal closure of skull base defects with autografts.

CONCLUSION

Multiple defects are more common in severe traumatic brain injury. The main risk factors of multiple spontaneous defects are female sex and overweight. Adequate diagnosis implies high-resolution CT (slice width 0.5-1 mm), as well as intraoperative control of all suspicious and «weak» areas. Endoscopic endonasal technique is effective and safe for multiple skull base defects (efficiency 97%).