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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Permanent Cerebral Vessel Occlusion via Double Ligature and Transection
Published on: July 21, 2013
Cerebellar infarction and internal hydrocephalus
Insights
Acute cerebellar infarction can lead to fatal hydrocephalus. Prompt surgical decompression of the posterior fossa is critical for survival in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Cerebellar infarction is a serious neurological event.
- Hydrocephalus can complicate acute cerebellar infarction.
- Posterior fossa decompression is a surgical intervention.
Observation:
- Four cases of acute cerebellar infarction with hydrocephalus were observed.
- Three patients died without surgical intervention.
- One patient survived following surgical decompression of the posterior fossa.
Findings:
- Cerebellar infarction caused tonsillar herniation and impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage.
- Hemorrhagic cerebellar softening was observed in fatal cases.
- An 'avalanche effect' of infarction and hydrocephalus progression was noted.
Implications:
- Prompt surgical decompression is vital for managing acute cerebellar infarction with hydrocephalus.
- Early intervention may prevent fatal outcomes.
- Understanding the progression of cerebellar infarction-induced hydrocephalus is crucial for treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Four cases of acute cerebellar infarction producing hydrocephalus are presented. Only the patient, who is submitted to surgical decompression of the posterior fossa, survives, while the other three die. In the latter the necropsy shows a hemorrhagic cerebellar softening in the territory of the inferior posterior cerebellar artery, causing tonsillar herniation and impairment of the liquor drainage at the level of the inferior part of the 4th ventricle. It is suggested that the infarction and the hydrocephalus further progress in "avalanche effect", which is fatal unless prompt surgical decompression can be carried out.
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