Acute cerebellitis complicated by hydrocephalus and impending cerebral herniation
Date
2004
Authors
van Toorn R.
Georgallis P.
Schoeman J.
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Abstract
We present a 7-year-old boy with acute cerebellitis who required an emergency ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus caused by cerebellar swelling. This represents a very unusual, potentially life-threatening complication of a usually self-limiting condition. Early diagnosis of this complication is essential in view of the propensity to sudden and fatal deterioration. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in differentiating this unusual course of acute cerebellar ataxia from that of a posterior fossa tumor. In developing countries, however, computed tomography (CT) is often the only existing diagnostic modality and access to MRI, when available, is limited. Our case demonstrates that the shape of the fourth ventricle on CT can be helpful in differentiating between a tumor and edema of the cerebellum and thus can assist in management.
Description
Keywords
acute cerebellitis, article, brain edema, brain hernia, brain ventricle, brain ventricle peritoneum shunt, case report, cerebellar ataxia, cerebellum disease, cerebrospinal fluid examination, computer assisted tomography, differential diagnosis, early diagnosis, follow up, headache, human, hydrocephalus, male, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, posterior cranial fossa tumor, priority journal, school child, vomiting, Brain Edema, Cerebellar Ataxia, Cerebellar Diseases, Cerebellum, Child, Diagnosis, Differential, Early Diagnosis, Encephalocele, Fourth Ventricle, Humans, Hydrocephalus, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Neurologic Examination, Patient Care Team, Prognosis, Remission, Spontaneous, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
Citation
Journal of Child Neurology
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