# Hyperostosis Cranialis Interna Presenting With Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: A Case Report and Review of Literature

**Authors:** Ahmed S Alsaleh, Abdullah I BinGhaith, Yazeed Alsuliman

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.78949 · Cureus · 2025-02-13

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare bone condition called hyperostosis cranialis interna that caused cerebrospinal fluid leak in a 32-year-old woman.

## Contribution

The paper adds to the limited literature by presenting a new clinical case and discussing diagnostic and management implications.

## Key findings

- Computed tomography and MRI were key in diagnosing the condition.
- The patient's symptoms included nasal discharge, anosmia, and headaches.
- The case highlights the importance of recognizing HCI as a unique bone disorder.

## Abstract

This report is of a case of hyperostosis cranialis internal (HCI), a rare disease characterized by the abnormal thickening of cranial bones, usually in the frontal and parietal regions. It is an uncommon disease that has clinical significance because of its possible symptoms: neurologic, aesthetic concerns, or asymptomatic, which may incidentally be found on imaging. Detailed attention has been given to the case of a 32-year-old female patient who presented with a two-year history of right clear, salty nasal discharge, anosmia, and band-like headache. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings helped in the diagnosis. The laboratory studies and treatment options have been described. A discussion on pathophysiology, differential diagnoses, and management is also done with the hope of adding to this limited literature on HCI. The implications for diagnosis and management in clinical practice are shown to be direct results of characterizing HCI as a unique bone disorder, whereby a better understanding of this condition is provided.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** hyperostosis cranialis interna (MONDO:0007765)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** nasal discharge (MESH:D019522), HCI (MESH:C564168), anosmia (MESH:D000857), bone disorder (MESH:D001847), headache (MESH:D006261)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11910183/full.md

## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11910183/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11910183