Post traumatic fracture of the cribriform plate and right frontal growing fracture
Presentation
CSF rhinorrhea.
Patient Data
A case of CSF rhinorrhea, MRI demonstrated a defect within the roof of the right ethmoid cells, abnormally wide right olfactory groove, with CSF filled sac trespassing through the defect into the ethmoid cells, no abnormal herniation of the brain tissues. Another area of skull erosion is depicted at the right frontal bone with underlying right frontal encephalomalacia is associated with small cyst with CSF like signal in-between the margins of the fracture lines represents Leptomeningeal Cyst. The negative mass effect upon the right frontal horn is demonstrated as well.
Case Discussion
Post-traumatic fracture of the right cribriform plate with meningocele associated with right frontal growing fracture and leptomeningeal cyst. Traumatic CSF leak occurs in 10% to 30% of skull base fractures and presents as CSF rhinorrhea, the majority of cases will present in the first 48 hours after injury, and in some cases, symptoms appear 3 months after trauma.The delay in symptom onset is due to the resolution of the post-traumatic edema together with increased mobility of the patient.