Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea during pregnancy-case report and review of literature

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Rhinoliquorrhea is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks due to a liquor fistula formation of traumatic or non-traumatic origin. It can be associated with increased intracranial pressure often due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), typically found in young and obese female patients. Case presentation A 27-year-old woman, 2 gravida, 1 para, presented with clear rhinorrhoea. After a beta-trace-protein test the diagnosis of CSF leakage was determined. The woman had had a traumatic car accident in 2018 but had never developed clear rhinorrhoea, especially not in her first pregnancy after the accident. Due to stable condition of the mother further diagnostics were postponed until after the birth. An elective caesarean section was performed in 40 + 0 weeks of gestations. The structural bone defect in the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus was surgically repaired by defect coverage postpartum. Conclusions Nasal CSF leakage in pregnancy has previously been described in four other case reports with mostly traumatic etiology. Additionally, IIH is an important diagnosis to keep in mind. So far there are no guidelines or evidence-based recommendations regarding to optimal fistula treatment of pregnant women available. For therapy a prophylactic antibiotic therapy, surgical reconstruction with sealing and a wait-and-see strategy should be considered and discussed.