Unusual cause for seizure after surgical closure of CSF rhinorrhoea

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Sep 5;17(9):e261056. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2024-261056.

Abstract

Seizure following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea surgery or surgery of the skull base almost always implies postoperative meningoencephalitis, unless proven otherwise. Here, we present the case of a middle-aged female in her 40's who underwent surgical CSF fistula closure and developed seizure on the eighth postoperative day. She was diagnosed to have posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment ensured that she had a complete recovery. Although not reported in the literature, PRES should always be a differential diagnosis in such situations, as delay in diagnosis may result in significant morbidity and rarely mortality.

Keywords: Autoimmunity; Epilepsy and seizures; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology / ENT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea* / diagnosis
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea* / etiology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea* / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications* / surgery
  • Seizures* / etiology