Resolution of Pulmonary Inflammation and Obstruction Following Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Aspiration pneumonitis from CSF leaks is rarely reported. Studies report resolution of ground-glass opacities on chest CT as well as clinical improvement in symptoms such as cough following surgical leak repair. Proposed mechanisms leading to aspiration pneumonitis include nasopharyngeal bacterial transit; the mechanism of persistent leak may be related to cough-induced increase in intracranial pressure leading to increased CSF flow. In patients with lower airway inflammation and obstruction as well as unexplained aspiration pneumonitis, a high index of suspicion for CSF rhinorrhea is warranted.