The author's experience with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oto
rrhea from the tympanomastoid tegmen is based on the management of two
clinical cases, the temporal bone histopathological findings in a thi
rd case suffering fatal meningitis and a review of the literature. Cha
racteristically, the disorder occurs in otherwise healthy ears and is
the consequence of embryogenic faults in the dura mater and adjacent t
egmen. After years of exposure to physiologically normal CSF pressures
, these faults may fistulize into the tympanomastoid compartment. The
onset may be at any age, but is more common after age 40. About 20% of
cases have a history of one or more bouts of meningitis. The site of
the leak is characterized by one or more defects measuring 2-5 mm in t
he dura mater and adjacent bony plate, usually in the area of the petr
ous ridge. About 25% of defects are associated with small meningoceles
or meningoencephaloceles. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance
imaging, as well as testing with fluorescein dye, provide confirming
diagnostic data. Corrective surgery employs transmastoid exploration.
After any existing meningoceles or meningoencephaloceles have been cau
terized or amputated, small grafts of autogenous fascia or cartilage a
re used to plug defects found. The area is covered with temporalis fas
cia graft, reinforced by a pedicled muscle-fascia graft and, if needed
to obliterate the mastoid cavity, a free graft of subcutaneous abdomi
nal adipose tissue.