Refractory cerebrospinal fluid leak following posterior fossa surgery secondary to superior vena cava obstruction: a case report

Abstract

We report a case of refractory post-operative cerebrospinal fluid leak from a posterior fossa operative site secondary to superior vena cava construction. The patient developed the leak after a posterior fossa craniotomy and resection of a cerebellar lung metastasis. The leak persisted despite conservative measures and lumbar drain insertion. Suspicion of superior vena cava obstruction was raised following clinical examination. She was managed with stenting of the superior vena cava, with cessation of leak.

Keywords:

• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• superior vena cava obstruction
• posterior fossa

Disclosure statement

We report no conflict of interest concerning the materials or methods used in this study or the findings specified in this paper.