Familial occurrence of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks: underlying connective tissue disorder

Headache. 2008 Jan;48(1):146-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2007.00979.x.

Abstract

Two sisters developed spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from meningeal diverticula. Both had recurrences from non diverticular sites. Both patients, a sister, and their mother had joint hypermobility and there was a strong family history of thoracic and abdominal aorta aneurysms. To my knowledge, this is the first report of familial occurrence of CSF leaks. It also points to the role of a pre-existing dural weakness, likely related to a disorder of connective tissue matrix.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / complications*
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / pathology
  • Family Health*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myelography / methods
  • Subdural Effusion / etiology*
  • Subdural Effusion / pathology