[Cerebrospinal rhinorrhea--etiology, clinical signs and laboratory diagnosis].

Last studies have shown unsatisfactory diagnosis of cerebrospinal rhinorrhea. Although the majority of cerebrospinal (CSF) fistulas in the anterior skuli base are traumatic in nature, the minority is non-traumatic or primary. The authors have made an attempt of presenting on the basis of scientific reports of the physiopathology, imagin and diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid leaks. This article introduces rapid, accurate and non-invasive biochemical methods for detection of cerebrospinal fluid leakage using combined determination of glucose, beta-trace-protein and beta-2-transferrin in secretion and serum. There are presented new invasive techniques for detection and localization of the cerebrospinal fluid leaks: CT and CT with contrast, MR cisternography and MRI cisternography in combination with single photon emission tomography. Finally, discusses different opinion in the management of the problem once it occurs.