Use of protein electrophoresis in the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea

Abstract

AbstractThe diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhoea on clinical grounds alone can be difficult. We describe how the use of noninvasive electrophoretic analysis of nasal secretions for tau protein (asialotransferrin) helped in the management of cases where the existence of a CSF leak was in doubt. Patients were thus saved unnecessary invasive investigations or surgery. A modification of the method of analysis, which improves diagnostic accuracy, is described.