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Pseudotumoral acute cerebellitis associated with mumps infection in a child
Houda Ajmi1, Mehdi Gaha1, Sameh Mabrouk1
1Houda Ajmi, Sameh Mabrouk, Saida Hassayoun, Noura Zouari, Jalel Chemli, Saoussen Abroug, Pediatrics Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse 4054, Tunisia.
Abstract:
Pseudotumoral cerebellitis in childhood is an uncommon presentation of cerebellitis mimicking a brain tumor. It often follows an inflammatory or infectious event, particularly due to varicella virus. Patients could have a wide clinical spectrum on presentation. Some patients may be asymptomatic or present at most with mild cerebellar signs, whereas others may suffer severe forms with brainstem involvement and severe intracranial hypertension mimicking tumor warranting surgical intervention. Imaging techniques especially multimodal magnetic resonance imaging represent an interesting tool to differentiate between posterior fossa tumors and acute cerebellitis. We describe a case of pseudotumoral cerebellitis in a 6-year-old girl consequent to mumps infection and review the literature on this rare association.
Insights
Pseudotumoral cerebellitis is a rare childhood condition that mimics brain tumors. Multimodal MRI is key to distinguishing it from tumors, especially after infections like mumps.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroradiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pseudotumoral cerebellitis is an uncommon pediatric condition presenting as a cerebellar tumor.
- It often follows infectious or inflammatory events, notably varicella virus infections.
- Clinical presentation varies widely, from mild symptoms to severe forms with brainstem involvement and intracranial hypertension.
