Recurrent Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks at Multiple Levels

Neurol India. 2021 Nov-Dec;69(6):1828-1830. doi: 10.4103/0028-3886.333501.

Abstract

Intracranial hypotension due to multiple spinal epidural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is rare and has multiple etiologies. These patients require epidural blood patches (EBP). We report a patient with recurrent paraplegia due to intracranial hypotension following recurrent epidural CSF leak. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was noted at D1, D10, D11, and L2 levels. Autologous epidural blood patch (EBP) at lower thoracic (3 ml) and lumbar region (4 ml) was performed. The patient developed paraplegia with sensory level at D2 for which 3 ml of EBP was done at D1 level after two months. Following EBP, the patient developed quadriplegia and root pain, which recovered in one month. The patient was free of symptoms for 18 months. Spinal epidural CSF leak should be suspected in patients with features of low pressure headache and recurrent paraplegia at multiple levels. Nuclear scintigraphy and CT myelography help in localizing the site of leak.

Keywords: CSF leak; CT myelography; Craniospinal hypotension; epidural blood patch; nuclear scintigraphy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blood Patch, Epidural
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hypotension* / complications
  • Intracranial Hypotension* / diagnostic imaging
  • Myelography
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed