[CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF) LEAK FOLLOWING COVID-19 NASAL SWAB: A CASE REPORT].

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus 19 (Covid-19) emerged as a global pandemic with over 12,900 deaths in Israel alone. On average, more than 40,000 tests to detect the virus daily were performed in Israel. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the recommended methods for testing are nasopharyngeal swab, mid-turbinate, or anterior nasal swab specimen. Although these methods are generally safe, they are not without risks. Particularly, traumatic or improperly angled test may injure the skull base and lead to a cerebrospinal fluid leak. This rare condition presents with headache, unilateral nasal discharge with a metallic taste, and is aggravated when bending forward. It is essential to recognize this condition since there is an increased risk of meningitis, brain abscess, sepsis, and death. In addition, one should know how to perform nasal swab tests to avoid this complication. This paper presents a case of a five-year-old girl diagnosed with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea following a nasal swab test for Covid-19. In addition, a summary of the clinical, radiological and treatment aspects was prepared.