Case report: Closure of cerebrospinal fluid fistula due to post-traumatic ethmoidal meningoencephalocele in a previously healthy pediatric patient
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Abstract
Post-traumatic ethmoidal meningoencephalocele is a rare cause of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea in pediatric patients and represents a diagnostic challenge due to its low incidence and risk of serious complications such as meningitis. We present the case of a 6-year-old boy with a history of severe traumatic brain injury following a bicycle fall, who developed intermittent left-sided rhinorrhea and two confirmed episodes of bacterial meningitis. Imaging revealed a left ethmoidal bony meningoencephalocele communicating with the subarachnoid space. The patient underwent successful endoscopic transnasal resection and multilayer closure of the CSF fistula using dural, mucosal, and bone grafts. Postoperative follow-up showed complete resolution of symptoms without recurrence. This case highlights the importance of including this entity in the differential diagnosis of recurrent meningitis and CSF leaks in children with a history of head trauma. The endoscopic approach offers an effective and minimally invasive therapeutic option with excellent clinical outcomes.
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Este artículo es publicado por la Revista Acta de Otorrinolaringología & Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello.
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