Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea post COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab: a case report

Abstract

Background: Cerebrospinal uid rhinorrhea is a potentially life threatening condition and it is a rare emergency presentation. Most cases has been related to head trauma. However, CSF leak post COVID swab has been rarely reported.Case presentation: We report a 10 year old Emirati male, who presented to emergency department complaining of unilateral clear watery nasal discharge for 14 days, the discharge started after COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab. The patient is a known case of 3MC syndrome and he underwent surgical repair for cleft lip and cleft palate. From the history and physical examination CSF rhinorrhea was highly suspected and nasal endoscopy con rmed the diagnosis of cribriform defect on the left side. The patient underwent surgical repair and his symptoms resolved after the surgery. Conclusion:We can conclude that COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab has potential life threatening complications and one should consider the contraindications and the alternative methods available to detect COVID-19 to minimize the potential risks.