Recurrent meningitis caused by idiopathic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea from the sphenoid sinus

Description

A 41-year-old woman with 7 days of fever and headache had loss of consciousness 1 day prior to presentation. Despite the absence of trauma or other significant medical history, she had two episodes of meningitis in the previous 6 months. Physical examination showed no nuchal rigidity or abnormal findings on nasal endoscopy. Lumbar puncture showed a cerebrospinal fluid cell count of 750/μl. CT showed a bony defect of the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus, which was filled with a soft tissue density. MRI showed fluid intensity in the same area (figure 1A, B). The diagnosis was recurrent meningitis due to possible idiopathic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea. Although a cisternogram is normally recommended, emergency drainage of the sphenoid sinus with antibiotic treatment was prioritised because of her deteriorating condition. With various possible diagnoses, an experienced surgeon operated on the patient. 

Figure 1

A bony defect of...

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