Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a rare occurrence. We present
a case of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea in a 57-year-old patient secondary to a sphenoid
osseous defect involving the foramen rotundum and maxillary nerve with an associated
arachnoid cyst and meningocele compressing the maxillary nerve. The location of the
defect made correction amenable to an open skull-based approach. To the best of our
knowledge, this is the first reported case of a spontaneous meningocele herniating
into the sphenoid osseous defect through the medial aspect of the foramen rotundum.
Early detection of these defects, open or endoscopic approaches and definitive treatment
by closing the defect can result in excellent outcomes.
Key-words:
Arachnoid cyst - cerebral spinal fluid leak - meningocele - skull base defect - spontaneous
rhinorrhea