CSF flow jet: novel CT myelogram finding of CSF leak through dural tear in traumatic pseudomeningocele.

Abstract

Determining the exact location of dural violation after traumatic pre-ganglionic (avulsion) injury of the brachial plexus with associated progressively enlarging pseudomeningocele is critical for treatment, but current imaging by MR and CT myelogram remains inadequate as there are often only indirect imaging features. We present a case of a 25-year-old man with history of motorcycle accident and left brachial plexus injury, who was found to have an extensive anterior epidural CSF collection, resulting in the contralateral neurologic deficit. Surgical treatment relies upon the identification of the site of the dural violation. On dynamic CT myelogram images, a thin hyperdense line of contrast was seen, representing CSF flow jet extravasating into the pseudomeningocele. Subsequent laminectomy and foraminotomy revealed a left avulsed nerve root and a dural tear at the site localized on the CT myelogram. To our knowledge, this is the first case of using dynamic CT myelography to visualize CSF flow jet, revealing the exact location of dural violation resulting in the expanding pseudomeningocele, providing crucial information for perioperative planning.