Delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak following septoplasty.

We report on the clinical syndrome of delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak following septoplasty. We describe 2 such cases that we treated, and 1 other case described in the literature. A review of these 3 cases indicates a characteristic clinical and radiologic presentation and a consistent site of cerebrospinal fluid leak. All cases presented with cerebrospinal fluid leak 12 to 22 weeks after septoplasty and had slit-shaped dehiscences at the horizontal lamella of the cribriform plate. Endoscopic repair was successful in all. Delayed cerebrospinal fluid leaks may occur as a consequence of septal surgery. It is probable that uncontrolled twisting and rocking manipulations of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone are transmitted to, and injure, the cribriform plate.