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David Foyt, MD; Derald E. Brackmann, MD

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2000;126:540-542.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea is a relatively rare entity that may occur either as a spontaneous occurrence or as a result of trauma or surgery. Spontaneous CSF leaks may be found during tympanocentesis, myringotomy, or tube insertion for chronic middle ear effusion. Rapid identification of the problem and timely treatment are required to avoid life-threatening complications such as meningitis. The site of leakage must also be identified so that the disorder can be treated effectively. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and radionucleotide localization scanning all play a role in the early identification of the leakage site. A detailed knowledge of possible CSF leakage pathways aids in evaluating imaging studies. We report 2 rare cases of CSF otorrhea through a congenitally patent facial canal and their management.

From the Department of Clinical Studies, House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, Calif. Dr Foyt is now with the Northeast Neurotologic Clinic and Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY.

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