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Pseudotumoral acute hemicerebellitis in a child

Rita B Morais1, Inês Sousa, Maria J Leiria

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, S. Francisco Xavier Hospital, Estrada do Forte do Alto do Duque, 1495-005 Lisbon, Portugal. ritabmorais@gmail.com

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology : EJPN : Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
|July 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Acute cerebellitis, an inflammation of the cerebellum, is rare in children. This case highlights that hemicerebellitis, even without typical symptoms, may require surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuroinflammation
  • Neuroradiology

Background:

  • Acute cerebellitis is a cerebellar inflammatory disorder.
  • Hemicerebellitis, a rare form, can mimic brain tumors in children.
  • Surgical intervention for hemicerebellitis is seldom reported.

Observation:

  • A 15-year-old presented with headache, not cerebellar signs.
  • CT showed a mass compressing the fourth ventricle.
  • MRI revealed left cerebellar swelling, hydrocephalus, and tonsillar herniation.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent decompressive craniectomy due to symptom progression.
  • Biopsy confirmed an inflammatory process, likely viral.
  • Post-surgery, the patient recovered with only mild cerebellar atrophy.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the atypical presentations of acute cerebellitis.
  • It demonstrates the potential need for surgical intervention in severe cases.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.

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