cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea
Pronunciation: RYE-nor-ee-ah
Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the nose, often following skull base surgery or trauma.
Full Definition
Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is the abnormal drainage of CSF through the nasal cavity, typically resulting from a communication between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. This condition can occur as a complication of skull base surgery, following traumatic injury to the anterior skull base, or spontaneously due to elevated intracranial pressure. CSF rhinorrhea carries risk of ascending infection and meningitis, often requiring surgical repair through endoscopic or open approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from otorrhea (ear drainage) and ensure proper spelling of 'rhinorrhea' with double 'r'.
In Context
- "The patient developed cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery." — Postoperative complication note
- "Beta-2 transferrin testing confirmed cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea rather than allergic rhinitis." — Laboratory interpretation