Post-traumatic anterior skull base defect in a paediatric patient

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are rare conditions that can mainly be divided into two categories: traumatic and spontaneous. They can be associated with a significant morbidity mostly defined by intracranial complications, which is why a timely diagnosis is essential as to locate and assess the extent of the damage. Their management can be medical or surgical, based on the nature, the location, and the size of the leak. We present to you the case of a 3-year-old girl involved in a car accident resulting in head trauma for which she was admitted to the emergency room (ER). Radiological assessments showed multiple bilateral displaced fractures of the fronto-ethmoidal skull base and a suspect of meningocele was also reported. Due to the age of the patient, the radiological evidence of an anterior skull base defect and given the risk of complications related to an intracranial approach, the surgical team decided to proceed with a skull-base reconstructive surgery through an endoscopic endonasal approach.