Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)

  Abstract

  Background: Over the past 20 years, the minimally invasive endoscopic approach

  has gained widespread acceptance. The study was performed to evaluate the

  diagnostic method and the success rate of endoscopically diagnosed and treated CSF

  rhinorrhea, and also investigations such as leakage site and etiologic factor.

  Methods: This retrospective CSF leakage management review of patients experiencing

  CSF rhinorrhea made from 1999-2006 included data regarding leakage etiology,

  preoperative assessment, intraoperative techniques and postoperative followup.

  Result: Sixty-five patients were managed endoscopically. CSF rhinorrhea etiology

  was traumatic in 30 cases, iatrogenic in 23 and spontaneous in 12. We used nasal

  endoscopy and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in all 65 cases while

  CT metrizamide cisternography was used in 5 specifically and magnetic resonance

  imaging for 5 others. Intrathecal fluorescein was used for intraoperative assessment

  without complications, and only one case of meningismus was noted.

  Conclusion: Several imaging methods were effective in diagnosing CSF leakage

  sites. Endoscopic management and autografts were successful in repairing anterior

  skull defects in 90.76% of the cases.