Sternberg canal defect and intracranial hypertension: a synergistic etiopathology in spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Illustrative case

This case highlights the interplay between skull base defects and ICP, including subclinical IIH, in spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Surgical repair unmasked symptomatic IIH and dynamic venous sinus stenosis secondary to elevated ICP. Recognizing this pathophysiology enables accurate diagnosis, avoids unnecessary intervention, and guides appropriate management. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE25775.