Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Following Nasal Packing for Epistaxis

J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Nov-Dec;30(8):2536-2538. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005681.

Abstract

Anterior epistaxis is commonly treated with Merocel nasal packing insertion. A 63-year-old male patient showed a cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and pneumocephalus immediately after insertion of a Merocel tampon used for spontaneous right anterior epistaxis. He later developed fever and headache. This clinical report is to highlight how the nasal merocel should be positioned by specialized personnel and to describe how to manage this type of complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / etiology
  • Epistaxis* / etiology
  • Formaldehyde
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumocephalus / etiology
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol

Substances

  • Formaldehyde
  • polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde foam
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol