[The role of biology in the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid leaks]

Ann Biol Clin (Paris). 2009 Mar-Apr;67(2):141-51. doi: 10.1684/abc.2008.0294.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage is a rare but critical condition with a substantial risk of intracranial infection, therefore its diagnosis and treatment is of major importance. CSF leakage diagnostic can be a challenging problem. Nephelometric measurement of beta-trace protein in the liquorrhoea is a non-invasive and fast method that can be used for CSF leakage diagnosis. It should kept in mind, however, that the cut-off of 1.1 mg/L is not suitable for patients with bacterial meningitis and those with a reduced glomerular filtration rate. Complementary use of beta-trace protein assay and beta2-transferrin detection is therefore recommended.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea / etiology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / etiology
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Humans
  • Intramolecular Oxidoreductases / analysis*
  • Lipocalins / analysis*
  • Meningitis / etiology
  • Nephelometry and Turbidimetry
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Subdural Effusion / diagnosis*
  • Subdural Effusion / physiopathology
  • Transferrin / metabolism

Substances

  • Lipocalins
  • Transferrin
  • Intramolecular Oxidoreductases
  • prostaglandin R2 D-isomerase