Spontaneous CSF Communication to the Middle Ear and External Auditory Canal

Abstract

A 27-year-old female with no history of trauma, surgery, infection, or neoplastic process was evaluated for the spontaneous onset of vomiting, headache, and loss of balance. Initial studies demonstrated extensive pneumocephalus. CT revealed a lytic, expansile defect of the right petrous bone, while intrathecal contrast images demonstrated flow of CSF that implied coincidental perforation of the tympanic membrane. MR imaging demonstrated a continuity of CSF signal. The patient underwent surgery to repair the CSF leak and a dural patch was applied. No symptoms of pneumocephalus were seen after surgery and the patient's condition improved.