# Diagnostic efficacy of contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging in idiopathic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

## TL;DR

Contrast-enhanced FLAIR imaging helped diagnose a rare condition causing cerebrospinal fluid leakage from the nose, leading to successful surgery.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the practicality of using pre- and postcontrast FLAIR subtraction images for diagnosing idiopathic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

## Key findings

- Pre- and postcontrast FLAIR subtraction images revealed a protrusion in the right olfactory cleft canal.
- Combined imaging techniques enabled accurate diagnosis and successful endoscopic treatment.

## Abstract

We report a case of a 50-year-old woman in which contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) was used for the diagnosis of idiopathic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. The pre- and postcontrast FLAIR subtraction images showed a contrasted protrusion of the right olfactory cleft canal, highlighting the potential practicality and effectiveness of using pre- and postcontrast FLAIR subtraction images in diagnosing idiopathic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, in conjunction with conventional high-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance cisternography. The successful diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea allowed for treatment through endoscopic nasal surgery to close the fistula with a positive clinical outcome.