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Dural-based infantile hemangioma of the posterior fossa: Case report
Hakeem J Shakir1, Paul McBride1, Renée M Reynolds1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, New York, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.
Insights
A rare dural-based infantile hemangioma in the posterior fossa caused hydrocephalus in a newborn. Surgical resection was successful, highlighting hemangioma as a key differential diagnosis for infant posterior fossa lesions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Oncology
- Vascular Malformations
Background:
- Presents a unique case of a dural-based infantile hemangioma.
- Focuses on a lesion located in the posterior fossa of a neonate.
Observation:
- The infant presented with hydrocephalus, a serious complication.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified the lesion, followed by surgical resection.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of hemangioma.
Findings:
- The posterior fossa hemangioma caused significant compression and obstructive hydrocephalus.
- Post-operative complications included transverse sinus thrombosis and cerebrospinal fluid leak.
- Treatment involved anticoagulation and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement.
Implications:
- Infantile hemangiomas, though benign, can cause critical complications in infants.
- Highlights the importance of considering hemangioma in the differential diagnosis of posterior fossa masses in neonates.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and management of such lesions to prevent severe neurological sequelae.
Background:
The authors present the unique case of a dural-based, infantile hemangioma located in the posterior fossa of a 15-day-old infant.
Case Description:
The patient presented with hydrocephalus. The lesion was identified by magnetic resonance imaging and was subsequently resected. Diagnosis of the lesion was confirmed with immunohistochemistry staining. The patient's hospital course was complicated by transverse sinus thrombosis and a cerebrospinal fluid leak that were treated with anticoagulation therapy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, respectively.
Conclusion:
Although hemangiomas are benign entities, our patient's lesion was in the posterior fossa causing compression and hydrocephalus that necessitated resection. We encourage others to consider the possibility of hemangioma in the differential diagnosis of dural-based posterior fossa lesions in infants.
