Brain MRV Predicts the Postoperative Risk of Recurrence of Spontaneous Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) Leaks

A relationship between idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and spontaneous skull base CSF leaks has been proposed by which the CSF leak acts as a release valve, improving symptoms/signs (papilledema) of elevated increased intracranial pressure (ICP), but making the diagnosis of IIH challenging. Patients with undiagnosed IIH have an increased risk of raised ICP with papilledema and recurrent CSF leak after leak repair, making treatment challenging. Our goal was to assess whether radiographic signs of ICP predict postoperative recurrence of spontaneous CSF leaks.