Recurrent spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea: combined endo-nasal endoscopic repair with lumbo-peritoneal shunt insertion

Background Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are associated with high morbidity and recurrence rates. Most cases had increased intracranial pressure (ICP) on presentation. There is still controversy regarding the use of lumbo-peritoneal shunt to prevent its recurrence. Aim This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of lumbo-peritoneal CSF shunt following the initial as well as recurrent repair of spontaneous CSF leaks to avoid recurrence. Methods A retrospective cohort study reviewed patients with recurrent spontaneous CSF leaks over a 4-year period. All patients had increased ICP and were subjected to endoscopic repair and lumbo-peritoneal shunt procedure. Results Eighteen patients were included in this study. Most patients were obese (BMI = 33.6 ± 1.8 kg/m 2 ) women (88.9%), with sleep apnea syndrome (77.8%). All patients presented with headache and visual complaints. Meningitis was recorded in two patients (11.1%). The most common sites of leakage were the cribriform (66.7%), followed by both cribriform and ethmoidal (16.7%), sphenoid (11.1%), and ethmoidal (5.6%) bones. The mean defect size was 5.1 ± 1.1 mm. About one third of cases had multiple defects. Encephalocele and meningocele were encountered in 61.1% and 66.7% of cases, respectively. The mean preoperative CSF pressure was 36.5 ± 1.7 mm H 2 O. Lumbo-peritoneal shunt was inserted for all our patients. The failure rate of repair was 11.1%. Conclusion Success rate is higher in patients with spontaneous CSF leaks and CSF hypertension treated by lumbo-peritoneal shunt. Future prospective studies with larger sample sizes should confirm the efficacy and safety of this management plan.