Differential Diagnosis for CSF Leakage in an Adult Male

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Trauma: Head injury is the most common cause of CSF leakage in adults. The trauma can cause a fracture in the skull, leading to a tear in the dura mater, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, resulting in CSF leakage.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Surgical Complications: Recent surgical procedures, especially those involving the brain or spine, can lead to CSF leakage due to unintended damage to the dura mater.
• Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can erode through the skull or spine, causing CSF leakage.
• Infections: Certain infections, such as meningitis or brain abscesses, can lead to CSF leakage by causing inflammation and damage to the meninges.
• High CSF Pressure: Conditions that increase intracranial pressure, such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, can cause CSF leakage.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Meningitis: Although not the most common cause, meningitis can lead to CSF leakage and is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
• Brain Abscess: Similar to meningitis, a brain abscess can cause CSF leakage and has a high mortality rate if left untreated.
• Cranial Bone Cysts: Certain cysts, like arachnoid cysts, can expand and erode through the skull, leading to CSF leakage.

Rare Diagnoses

• Congenital Anomalies: Rare congenital conditions, such as a defect in the dura mater, can cause CSF leakage.
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: This genetic disorder can cause fragile tissues, including the dura mater, leading to spontaneous CSF leakage.
• Marfan Syndrome: Similar to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Marfan Syndrome can cause tissue fragility, potentially leading to CSF leakage.
• Pseudotumor Cerebri: This condition, characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a detectable cause, can rarely lead to CSF leakage.