1
|
Mamlouk MD, Callen AL, Madhavan AA, Lützen N, Jones LC, Mark IT, Brinjikji W, Benson JC, Verdoorn JT, Kim DK, Amrhein TJ, Gray L, Dillon WP, Maya MM, Huynh TJ, Shah VN, Dobrocky T, Piechowiak EI, Chazen JL, Malinzak MD, Houk JL, Kranz PG. Spinal CSF Leaks: The Neuroradiologist Transforming Care. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2024:ajnr.A8484. [PMID: 39209484 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a8484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Spinal CSF leak care has evolved during the past several years due to pivotal advances in its diagnosis and treatment. To the reader of the American Journal of Neuroradiology (AJNR), it has been impossible to miss the exponential increase in groundbreaking research on spinal CSF leaks and spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). While many clinical specialties have contributed to these successes, the neuroradiologist has been instrumental in driving this transformation due to innovations in noninvasive imaging, novel myelographic techniques, and image-guided therapies. In this editorial, we will delve into the exciting advancements in spinal CSF leak diagnosis and treatment and celebrate the vital role of the neuroradiologist at the forefront of this revolution, with particular attention paid to CSF leak-related work published in the AJNR.
Collapse
|
2
|
Schievink WI, Maya MM, Tay ASMS, Taché RB, Prasad RS, Wadhwa V, Nuño M. Lateral Spinal CSF Leaks in Patients with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Radiologic-Anatomic Study of Different Variants. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2024; 45:951-956. [PMID: 38871369 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a8261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Spinal CSF leaks cause spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Several types of leaks have been identified, and one of these types is the lateral dural tear. Performing myelography with the patient in the decubitus position allows precise characterization of these leaks. The purpose of the current study was to describe the different variants of spontaneous lateral CSF leaks. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study included a consecutive group of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension and lateral CSF leaks who underwent digital subtraction myelography in the decubitus position and underwent surgery to repair the CSF leak between July 2018 and June 2023. RESULTS The mean age of the 53 patients (37 women and 16 men) was 35.5 years. Three different variants of lateral CSF leak could be identified. Forty-nine patients (92.5%) had a lateral dural tear associated with the nerve root sleeve. The dural tear was at the axilla of the nerve root sleeve in 36 patients (67.9%) and at the shoulder in 13 patients (24.5%). Four patients (7.5%) had a lateral dural tear at the level of the pedicle that was not associated with the nerve root sleeve. Findings on digital subtraction myelography were concordant with intraoperative findings in all patients. An extradural CSF collection was seen in all patients with a lateral dural tear associated with the nerve root sleeve but in only 2 of the 4 patients with the pedicular variant of a lateral dural tear. CONCLUSIONS We identified 3 variants of spontaneous lateral dural tears. Most lateral dural tears are associated with extradural CSF collections and arise from either the axilla (67.9%) or the shoulder (24.5%) of the nerve root sleeve. Lateral dural tears at the level of the pedicle (7.5%) not associated with the nerve root sleeve are uncommon and may require specialized imaging for their detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wouter I Schievink
- From the Department of Neurosurgery (W.I.S., M.M.M., A.S.-M., S.T., R.B.T., R.S.P., V.W.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marcel M Maya
- From the Department of Neurosurgery (W.I.S., M.M.M., A.S.-M., S.T., R.B.T., R.S.P., V.W.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Imaging (M.M.M., R.S.P., V.W.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Angelique Sao-Mai S Tay
- From the Department of Neurosurgery (W.I.S., M.M.M., A.S.-M., S.T., R.B.T., R.S.P., V.W.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rachelle B Taché
- From the Department of Neurosurgery (W.I.S., M.M.M., A.S.-M., S.T., R.B.T., R.S.P., V.W.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ravi S Prasad
- From the Department of Neurosurgery (W.I.S., M.M.M., A.S.-M., S.T., R.B.T., R.S.P., V.W.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Imaging (M.M.M., R.S.P., V.W.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Vikram Wadhwa
- From the Department of Neurosurgery (W.I.S., M.M.M., A.S.-M., S.T., R.B.T., R.S.P., V.W.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Imaging (M.M.M., R.S.P., V.W.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Miriam Nuño
- Department of Public Health Sciences (M.N.), University of California, Davis, California
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zander C, Wolf K, El Rahal A, Volz F, Beck J, Urbach H, Lützen N. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension - a spinal disease. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2024. [PMID: 38968964 DOI: 10.1055/a-2318-8994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) remains an underdiagnosed condition despite increasing awareness due to recent scientific advances. Diagnosis can be delayed by the broad clinical presentation and imaging pitfalls. This results in a high degree of physical impairment for patients, including social and psychological sequelae as well as long-term damage in the case of delayed diagnosis and treatment.The study is based on a selective literature search on PubMed including articles from 1990 to 2023 and the authors' clinical experience from working in a CSF center.SIH mostly affects middle-aged women, with the primary symptom being position-dependent orthostatic headache. In addition, there is a broad spectrum of possible symptoms that can overlap with other clinical conditions and therefore complicate the diagnosis. The causative spinal CSF loss can be divided into three main types: ventral (type 1) or lateral (type 2) dural leak and CSF-venous fistula (type 3). The diagnosis can be made using a two-stage workup. As a first step, noninvasive MRI of the head and spine provides indicators of the presence of SIH. The second step using focused myelography can identify the exact location of the cerebrospinal fluid leak and enable targeted therapy (surgical or interventional). Intrathecal pressure measurement or intrathecal injection of gadolinium is no longer necessary for primary diagnosis. Serious complications in the course of the disease can include space-occupying subdural hematomas, superficial siderosis, and symptoms of brain sagging, which can lead to misinterpretations. Treatment consists of closing the dural leak or the cerebrospinal fluid fistula. Despite successful treatment, a relapse can occur, which highlights the importance of follow-up MRI examinations and emphasizes the chronic nature of the disease. This paper provides an overview of the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected SIH and new developments in imaging and therapy. · SIH is an underdiagnosed condition with a wide range of possible symptoms.. · The first diagnostic step using MRI provides indications of the presence of SIH.. · The second diagnostic step using (dynamic) myelography can identify the CSF leak.. · Collaboration with a CSF center is advisable for further diagnosis and treatment.. · Prompt detection and treatment of SIH improves the outcome.. · Zander C, Wolf K, El Rahal A et al. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension - a spinal disease. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2318-8994.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Zander
- Dept. of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wolf
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Amir El Rahal
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Volz
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Beck
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Horst Urbach
- Dept. of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Niklas Lützen
- Dept. of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Volz F, El Rahal A, Fung C, Shah M, Lützen N, Urbach H, Beck J, Wolf K. Don't delay, but don't despair: symptom duration, comorbidity and outcome after closure of spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks. J Neurol 2024; 271:2776-2786. [PMID: 38409537 PMCID: PMC11055789 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Microsurgical sealing of spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks is a viable treatment option in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Several factors may influence the outcome, with symptom duration probably the most modifiable variable. METHODS Patients with closure of spinal CSF leaks between September 2020 and March 2023 and a follow-up period of 6 months were included in this retrospective single-center study. Pre- and postoperative scores for impact of headaches (Headache Impact Test, HIT-6) and quality of life (QoL, EQ-5D-5L) were systematically collected. Multiple regression modelling and subgroup analyses for different symptom durations and comorbidities were performed for these outcomes. RESULTS One hundred patients (61% female, median age 43.5 years) were included. Six months postoperatively, there was significant improvement in headache impact (HIT-6: 66 (IQR 62-69) to 52 (IQR 40-61, p < 0.001) and QoL (EQ-5D-5L VAS: 40 (IQR 30-60) to 79 (IQR 60-90); EQ-5D-5L Index: 0.67 (IQR 0.35-0.8) to 0.91 (IQR 0.8-0.94, p < 0.001, respectively). Subgroup analysis for a symptom duration above (74%) and below 90 days (26%) and comorbidity, as well as multiple regression analysis, revealed a trend in favor of early treatment and lower comorbidity. However, even after a prolonged symptom duration, improvements were significant. CONCLUSION As patients with shorter symptom duration show a trend for a better outcome, our results promote a timely diagnosis and treatment in SIH patients. However, a significant postoperative improvement can still be expected even after a prolonged symptom duration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Volz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Strasse 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Amir El Rahal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Strasse 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christian Fung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Strasse 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lindenhofspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mukesch Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Strasse 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Niklas Lützen
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Horst Urbach
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Beck
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Strasse 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Katharina Wolf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Strasse 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Volz F, Wolf K, Fung C, Carroll I, Lahmann C, Lützen N, Urbach H, Klingler JH, Beck J, El Rahal A. Impact of Spinal CSF Leaks on Quality of Life and Mental Health and Long-Term Reversal by Surgical Closure. Neurol Clin Pract 2024; 14:e200272. [PMID: 38585435 PMCID: PMC10996905 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) caused by a spinal CSF leak is a multisymptom syndrome, which can dramatically affect physical and mental health. However, systematic data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health are scarce. We hypothesized that surgical treatment leads to significant and sustained improvements in HRQoL and mental health in patients with SIH. Methods In this single-center cohort study, we prospectively collected HRQoL and mental health data in patients undergoing surgical closure of a spinal CSF leak from September 2020 to November 2022. EuroQoL (EQ-5D-5L), including the health state index (EQ-Index) and the visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), measured HRQoL. The 21-item version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) measured symptoms of mental health. Follow-ups were performed 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Primary outcome was the change in EQ-Index, EQ-VAS, and DASS-21 subscales. Secondary outcome was the impact of baseline depression symptoms on HRQoL outcomes following surgery. Results Seventy-four patients were included. EQ-VAS improved from 40 (interquartile range [IQR] 30-60) preoperatively to 70 (IQR 55-85) at 3 months and to 72 (IQR 60-88) at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001, respectively). EQ-Index increased from 0.683 (IQR 0.374-0.799) to 0.877 (0.740-0.943) at 3 months and to 0.907 (0.780-0.956) at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001, respectively). Depression, anxiety, and stress significantly improved after surgery. Preoperative depressive symptoms did not affect the HRQoL outcome. Discussion The severe impact of a spinal CSF leak on HRQoL and mental health significantly improved after closure of the leak. Higher levels of depressive symptoms do not predict worse outcomes and should not discourage invasive treatment. Further systematic evaluation of outcomes, with special regard to quality of life, is needed, as it allows a comparison of symptom burden between SIH and more familiar diseases as well as a comparison of different treatment modalities in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Volz
- Department of Neurosurgery (FV, KW, CF, J-HK, JB, AER), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Stanford CSF Leak Headache Program (IC), Stanford Headache Clinic, Stanford School of Medicine, CA; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (CL); and Department of Neuroradiology (NL, HU), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wolf
- Department of Neurosurgery (FV, KW, CF, J-HK, JB, AER), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Stanford CSF Leak Headache Program (IC), Stanford Headache Clinic, Stanford School of Medicine, CA; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (CL); and Department of Neuroradiology (NL, HU), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Fung
- Department of Neurosurgery (FV, KW, CF, J-HK, JB, AER), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Stanford CSF Leak Headache Program (IC), Stanford Headache Clinic, Stanford School of Medicine, CA; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (CL); and Department of Neuroradiology (NL, HU), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ian Carroll
- Department of Neurosurgery (FV, KW, CF, J-HK, JB, AER), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Stanford CSF Leak Headache Program (IC), Stanford Headache Clinic, Stanford School of Medicine, CA; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (CL); and Department of Neuroradiology (NL, HU), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claas Lahmann
- Department of Neurosurgery (FV, KW, CF, J-HK, JB, AER), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Stanford CSF Leak Headache Program (IC), Stanford Headache Clinic, Stanford School of Medicine, CA; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (CL); and Department of Neuroradiology (NL, HU), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Niklas Lützen
- Department of Neurosurgery (FV, KW, CF, J-HK, JB, AER), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Stanford CSF Leak Headache Program (IC), Stanford Headache Clinic, Stanford School of Medicine, CA; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (CL); and Department of Neuroradiology (NL, HU), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Horst Urbach
- Department of Neurosurgery (FV, KW, CF, J-HK, JB, AER), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Stanford CSF Leak Headache Program (IC), Stanford Headache Clinic, Stanford School of Medicine, CA; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (CL); and Department of Neuroradiology (NL, HU), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Helge Klingler
- Department of Neurosurgery (FV, KW, CF, J-HK, JB, AER), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Stanford CSF Leak Headache Program (IC), Stanford Headache Clinic, Stanford School of Medicine, CA; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (CL); and Department of Neuroradiology (NL, HU), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Beck
- Department of Neurosurgery (FV, KW, CF, J-HK, JB, AER), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Stanford CSF Leak Headache Program (IC), Stanford Headache Clinic, Stanford School of Medicine, CA; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (CL); and Department of Neuroradiology (NL, HU), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Amir El Rahal
- Department of Neurosurgery (FV, KW, CF, J-HK, JB, AER), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Stanford CSF Leak Headache Program (IC), Stanford Headache Clinic, Stanford School of Medicine, CA; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (CL); and Department of Neuroradiology (NL, HU), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Galvan J, Maya M, Prasad RS, Wadhwa VS, Schievink W. Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Localization with Digital Subtraction Myelography: Tips, Tricks, and Pitfalls. Radiol Clin North Am 2024; 62:321-332. [PMID: 38272624 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can cause spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) which can lead to neurologic symptoms, such as orthostatic headache. Over time, imaging techniques for detecting and localizing CSF leaks have improved. These techniques include computed tomography (CT) myelography, dynamic CT myelography, cone-beam CT, MRI, MR myelography, and digital subtraction myelography (DSM). DSM provides the highest sensitivity for identifying leak sites and has comparable radiation exposure to CT myelography. The introduction of the lateral decubitus DSM has proven invaluable in localizing leaks when other imaging tests have been inconclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Galvan
- Department of Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Department of Imaging, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard Taper Mezzanine M-335, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Marcel Maya
- Department of Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Department of Imaging, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard Taper Mezzanine M-335, Los Angeles, CA 90048.
| | - Ravi S Prasad
- Department of Imaging, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard Taper Mezzanine M-335, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Vikram S Wadhwa
- Department of Imaging, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard Taper Mezzanine M-335, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Wouter Schievink
- Department of Imaging, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard Taper Mezzanine M-335, Los Angeles, CA 90048; Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
| |
Collapse
|