Halayqeh S, Glueck J, Balmaceno-Criss M, Alsoof D, McDonald CL, Diebo BG, Daniels AH. Delayed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery.
NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL 2023;
16:100271. [PMID:
37771759 PMCID:
PMC10522904 DOI:
10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100271]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Background
An uncommon complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is dura tear, which may be further complicated by cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak. Dural tears with CSF leak can lead to catastrophic neurologic outcomes and should be recognized early.
Case Description
This case report describes a 43-year-old female patient with history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome who presented 1-year post-ACDF with positional headaches and lightheadedness. Imaging revealed ACDF plate subsidence and CSF leak with inferior displacement of the cerebellar tonsils.
Outcome
The patient underwent a revision procedure with removal of index screws and CSF repair using epidural blood patch, fat graft, and Tisseel. The original bicortical screws were replaced with shorter larger diameter unicortical screws. Post-operative imaging at 2 and 6 weeks confirmed resolution of CSF leak.
Conclusions
Healthcare professionals and patients undergoing spinal surgery should be aware of late presentation CSF leaks which can represent gradual decline in neurological function. Surgical candidates at risk to develop CSF leaks should be counseled about possible complications in preoperative planning.
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