Application of cervical epidural blood patch for spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks: Two case reports.

Abstract

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are uncommon but significant causes of orthostatic headaches, often resulting from dural injuries. Although lumbar epidural blood patches (EBPs) are commonly used to treat such leaks, cervical EBPs are rarely performed due to the higher risk of complications, including spinal cord injury. This case series presents two patients with spontaneous cervical CSF leaks successfully treated with cervical EBPs under fluoroscopic guidance. The first case involved a 24-year-old female who presented with a two-month history of severe orthostatic headaches and tinnitus and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of 8. After a cervical EBP with 3 mL of autologous blood, her symptoms resolved. The second case describes a 55-year-old male with a history of radiotherapy who presented with a VAS score of 10 and a four-month history of orthostatic headaches. A cervical EBP using a total of 6 mL of blood led to complete symptom resolution. Both cases highlight the efficacy and safety of cervical EBPs when performed with careful imaging guidance and minimal blood volumes. These findings suggest that this approach should be considered in cases of refractory cervical CSF leaks.