Late presentation of dural tears: Two case reports and review of literature

Figure 1 Changes in C-reactive protein level, neutrophils percentage, and albumin level during hospitalization of the first patient. A: Changes in C-reactive protein level, neutrophils percentage; B: Changes in albumin level. CRP: C-reactive protein; NE%: Neutrophils percentage.

Figure 2 Nutritional status of the second patient during hospitalization.

Figure 3 Magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray findings of the first patient. A–D: Preoperative images showing lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis at L3–S1 level; E–H: Images at 1 wk after surgery showing the lack of clear signs of cerebrospinal fluid leakage or pseudocyst formation.

Figure 4 Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the second patient. Red triangle: Exuded cerebrospinal fluid.

Figure 5 Postoperative drainage of the first patient. A: Drainage fluid after the third operation. The drainage fluid is light red, which is considered as cerebrospinal fluid; B: Changes of postoperative drainage volume.

Figure 6 Digital photos of intraoperative exploration of the second patient. A: A large amount of liquid accumulated under the skin; B: Dural defect found during operation. White dotted circle: The size of dura defect.