Comparison of gel-based methods for the detection of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Fluorescence guidance in skull base surgery: Applications and limitations - A systematic review

Introduction

Intraoperative fluorescence guidance is a well-established surgical adjunct in high-grade glioma surgery. In contrast, the clinical use of such dyes and technology has been scarcely reported in skull base surgery.

Research question

We aimed to systematically review the clinical applications of different fluorophores in both open and endonasal skull base surgery.

Material and methods

We performed a systematic review and discussed the current literature on fluorescence guidance in skull base surgery.

Results

After a comprehensive literature search, 77 articles on skull base fluorescence guidance were evaluated. A qualitative analysis of the articles is presented, discussing clinical indications and current controversies. The use of intrathecal fluorescein was the most frequently reported in the literature. Beyond that, 5-ALA and ICG were two other fluorescent dyes most extensively discussed, with some experimental fluorophore applications in skull base surgery.

Discussion and conclusion

Intraoperative fluorescence imaging can serve as an adjunct technology in skull base surgery. The scope of initial indications of these fluorophores has expanded beyond malignant glioma resection alone. We discuss current use and controversies and present an extensive overview of additional indications for fluorescence imaging in skull base pathologies. Further quantitative studies will be needed in the future, focusing on tissue selectivity and time-dependency of the different fluorophores currently commercially available, as well as the development of new compounds to expand applications and facilitate skull base surgeries.

Systematic review of errors on beta-2 transferrin gel electrophoresis testing of rhinorrhea and otorrhea

BACKGROUND

Beta-2 transferrin (B2-Tf) gel electrophoresis (GE) is the preferred non-invasive diagnostic modality for confirming cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in body fluids. While B2-Tf GE testing is highly sensitive and specific for CSF, false-positive (FP) and false-negative (FN) results can lead to diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Several series have demonstrated potential causes of false B2-Tf GE results, but few studies have reported reasons for these errors. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe sources of B2-Tf GE errors.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching OVID, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for B2-Tf GE studies. After applying exclusion criteria, original research studies directly addressing erroneous B2-Tf GE results underwent qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 243 abstracts screened, 71 underwent full-text review and 18 studies reporting B2-Tf GE errors were included for analysis. There were 15 potential FPs, 12 actual FPs, 12 potential FNs, 19 actual FNs, and 14 indeterminate results. There were also 246 potentially indeterminate results from in vitro studies. Reasons for B2-Tf GE errors included serum transferrin alterations (n = 17; all potential), infection related (n = 13; 9 potential), orbital or salivary contamination (n = 2; 1 potential), and collection related (n = 255; 246 potential). There were 31 false or indeterminate results with unspecified reasons. There were no reported errors due to laboratory processing.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple potential or actual reasons for false or indeterminate results have been reported for B2-Tf GE testing of rhinorrhea and otorrhea. Future studies should explore reasons for B2-Tf testing errors and how these may affect clinical decision making.

Multimodal diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: State of the art review and emerging concepts

Objective

Currently, diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea relies on a multimodal approach, increasing costs and ultimately delaying diagnosis. In the United States and internationally, the crux of such a diagnosis relies on confirmation testing (via biomarkers) and localization (e.g., imaging). Biomarker testing may require analysis at an outside facility, resulting in delays diagnosis and treatment. In addition, specialized imaging may be nonspecific and often requires an active leak for diagnosis. There remains a clear need for innovative new technology.

Methods

A comprehensive review was conducted on both foundational and innovative scholarly articles regarding current and emerging diagnosis modalities for CSF.

Results

Current modalities in CSF rhinorrhea diagnosis and localization include laboratory tests (namely, B2T immunofixation), imaging (CT and/or MRI) with or without intrathecal administration, and surgical exploration. Each of these modalities carry flaws, risks, and benefits, ultimately contributing to delays in diagnosis and morbidity. Promising emerging technologies include lateral flow immunoassays (LFI) and biologically functionalized field-effect transistors (BioFET). Nevertheless, these carry some drawbacks of their own, and require further validation.

Conclusion

CSF rhinorrhea remains a challenging diagnosis, requiring a multimodal approach to differentiate from nonpathologic causes of rhinorrhea. Current methods in diagnosis are imperfect, as the ideal test would be a readily accessible, inexpensive, rapid, highly accurate point-of-care test without the need for excess fluid or specialized processing. Critical work is being done to develop promising, new, improved tests, though a clear successor has not yet emerged.

Level of Evidence

N/A.

CSF or middle ear effusion? Diagnostical dilemmas in a patient with temporal bone meningioma: A case report

Introduction

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are a rare phenomenon, that can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Presenting as rhinorrhea or otorrhea, they can be difficult to diagnose due to admixture of other bodily fluids. Typically, CSF fistulas develop after trauma, but in rare instances, they can be diagnosed in patients with a neoplastic lesion.

Objective

To discuss several steps in diagnosing CSF fistulas.

Patient

A fifty-year-old female with an intra-osseous temporal bone meningioma.

Interventions

For diagnosing CSF admixture in fluids, two tests are looked into: beta-2 transferrin (β2T) and beta-trace protein (βTP) testing.

Conclusion

Testing for βTP is a highly sensitive, quick and non-invasive method to assess CSF admixture in middle ear effusion. Because of its lower cost, faster results and easy sample collection, βTP testing has in our clinic replaced β2T testing. The current case illustrates a rare etiology of a CSF fistula, where β2T testing presumably showed false-negative results and βTP testing showed true-positive results.

Application of the Mimic Valsalva Maneuver with the Help of a Saccule in Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea Reconstruction Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mimic Valsalva maneuver with the help of a saccule handled by an anesthesiologist in order to locate the leakage channel and repair the fistula during intranasal endoscopic reconstruction surgery of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

METHODS

From 2012 to 2014, 8 patients were diagnosed with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea by medical histories, physical and biochemical examination. All patients were treated with intranasal endoscopic reconstruction surgery of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. During the surgery, the mimic Valsalva maneuver with the help of a saccule was carried out once or twice by an anesthetist during the operation. Intranasal endoscopy was used to accurately locate the leakage site as shown by the exact fistula. Temporal fascia, fascia lata, middle turbinate mucosa and nasal septum mucosa were all used to repair the fistula.

RESULTS

After the surrounding mucosa was removed, the exact leakage sites were accurately found. Fascia materials were used in all 8 patients. All patients were successfully treated after their first operation, and 1 patient was successfully treated by two operations with no complications and recurrences. All the patients were followed up for 1 month to 2 years.

CONCLUSION

The convenient method of the mimic Valsalva maneuver with the help of a saccule handled by an anesthesiologist has a good prospect in cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea reconstruction surgery.