Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Abstract

Leakage of cerebro- spinal fluid through the nose is reviewed. Two types of rhinorrhea, traumatic and nontraumatic, are recognized, and the natural history of both types is compared. The nontraumatic group is analyzed and the evidence is interpreted to suggest that the rhinorrhea follows a transient or continued alteration in cerebrospinal pressure and dynamics which forces a way through a congenitally weak or potential pathway. Very occasionally this may be created by a tumor. Case reports of 2 patients with large sellar lesions presenting with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea are reported and the management is discussed.