Closure of a dural defect as a cause of superficial siderosis: does early dural repair lead to a better outcome? Illustrative case

BACKGROUND: Superficial hemosiderosis (SS) of the central nervous system is a rare condition that is caused by chronic, repeated hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space. The subsequent deposition of hemosiderin in the brain and spinal cord causes neurological deterioration. In this report, the authors describe a repair procedure for SS associated with a dural defect in the thoracic spine. OBSERVATIONS: A 75-year-old man presented with tinnitus symptoms that began about 1 year prior. Subsequently, his hearing loss progressed, and he gradually became unsteady on walking. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head showed diffuse hemosiderin deposition on the surface of the cerebellum. Thoracic MRI showed ventral cerebrospinal fluid leakage of T2–7, and computed tomography myelography showed leakage of contrast medium that appeared to be a dural defect. Dural closure was successful, and MRI showed decreased fluid collection ventral to the dura. The patient’s symptoms of wobbliness on walking and tinnitus improved dramatically from the postoperative period. LESSONS: Dural abnormalities of the spine must always be considered as one of the causes of SS. Early dural closure is an effective means of preventing the progression of symptoms.