# Cerebrospinal fluid leakage following penetrating spinal trauma in a patient with congenital spinal dysraphism: A case report

## TL;DR

A 19-year-old with a birth defect in the spine developed a spinal fluid leak after a minor injury, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment in such cases.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the increased risk of CSF leaks in patients with congenital spinal dysraphism following trauma.

## Key findings

- Spinal dysraphism increases the risk of CSF leaks after minor trauma, even without neurological deficits.
- Imaging studies like CT and MRI are crucial for identifying dural defects after spinal trauma.
- Timely surgical intervention, including dural repair, can effectively treat CSF leaks and prevent complications.

## Abstract

Spinal dysraphism, a congenital condition characterized by vertebral malformations like spina bifida occulta, may lead to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks following a minor trauma. We report a case of a 19-year-old male with congenital spinal dysraphism who developed a CSF leak after a stab wound to the lumbosacral region.

The patient was admitted four days post-injury with CSF leakage, vertigo, and nausea but no neurological deficits. Imaging revealed a dural tear and spina bifida occulta. The combined surgical intervention, including primary closure, dural repair, and medical intervention, was remarkably successful, significantly improving the patient's condition.

This case underscores the urgent need for early detection and treatment of CSF leaks in patients with congenital spinal dysraphism who experience trauma. Spinal dysraphism can significantly increase the risk of complications following traumatic injuries. The absence of immediate symptoms and underlying anomalies complicates diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation using imaging studies to identify potential dural defects after spinal trauma.

This case highlights the critical relationship between congenital spinal dysraphism, primarily spina bifida occulta, and spinal traumatic injuries. It also highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and early intervention to improve patient outcomes and prevent complications.

•Spinal dysraphism is a congenital condition characterized by incomplete spinal fusion, which can lead to spina bifida occulta.•Patients with spinal dysraphism face a higher risk of CSF leaks after trauma, even without neurological deficits.•CSF leaks may present with vertigo and nausea, requiring prompt recognition to avoid diagnostic delays.•Imaging studies, mainly CT and MRI, are essential for detecting dural defects in traumatic spinal injuries.•Timely surgery, including dural repair and lumbar drainage, helps restore CSF flow and prevent complications.

Spinal dysraphism is a congenital condition characterized by incomplete spinal fusion, which can lead to spina bifida occulta.

Patients with spinal dysraphism face a higher risk of CSF leaks after trauma, even without neurological deficits.

CSF leaks may present with vertigo and nausea, requiring prompt recognition to avoid diagnostic delays.

Imaging studies, mainly CT and MRI, are essential for detecting dural defects in traumatic spinal injuries.

Timely surgery, including dural repair and lumbar drainage, helps restore CSF flow and prevent complications.