CONCLUSIONS: CT and MRI are helpful to detect the precise site of the fistula, which is crucial for carrying out the repair, and transnasal endoscopic surgery is an effective treatment for recurrent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the cause and treatment of recurrent CSF rhinorrhea. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the clinical characteristics of 32 patients with recurrent CSF rhinorrhea. After detailed examination and radiological evaluation by CT and MRI, all of them underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Six patients presented a leakage at the posterior wall of the frontal sinus, 12 at the ethmoid roof, and 14 at the sphenoid roof. Four cases with a defect in the frontal sinus and frontal recess were repaired with the DRAF III procedure, four cases with a defect in the sphenoid lateral recess were repaired through transpterygoid intervention and under an image-guided navigation system, while the others were operated by routine endoscopic sinus surgery. No recurrence was found during the follow-up for 14-60 months (mean 36.8) in 31 cases, and 1 case with recurrence recovered well after further surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: CT and MRI are helpful to detect the precise site of the fistula, which is crucial for carrying out the repair, and transnasal endoscopic surgery is an effective treatment for recurrent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the cause and treatment of recurrent CSF rhinorrhea. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the clinical characteristics of 32 patients with recurrent CSF rhinorrhea. After detailed examination and radiological evaluation by CT and MRI, all of them underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Six patients presented a leakage at the posterior wall of the frontal sinus, 12 at the ethmoid roof, and 14 at the sphenoid roof. Four cases with a defect in the frontal sinus and frontal recess were repaired with the DRAF III procedure, four cases with a defect in the sphenoid lateral recess were repaired through transpterygoid intervention and under an image-guided navigation system, while the others were operated by routine endoscopic sinus surgery. No recurrence was found during the follow-up for 14-60 months (mean 36.8) in 31 cases, and 1 case with recurrence recovered well after further surgery.