Synchronous spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks in the nose and ear.

OBJECTIVE

The majority of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks occur at the anterior skull base; few cases at the temporal bone have been described. There have been no previous reports of synchronous leaks at the anterior skull base and temporal bone in the same patient.

METHODS

Case report and brief review of management of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks in the nose and ear.

CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old, pregnant woman presented with watery nasal discharge and unilateral middle-ear effusion. The nasal and ear secretions both proved to be cerebrospinal fluid. Radiological imaging showed defects in both the ethmoid roof and the mastoid roof (middle cranial fossa). These defects were surgically closed using duraplasties.

CONCLUSION

A literature review indicated that this is the first reported case of synchronous spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks via the anterior skull base and temporal bone.