[Clinical and evolutive aspects of cerebellar infarction]

This study included 125 cases of cerebellar infarction followed during an average period of 4.3 years. The diagnosis was made by CT or MRI. Infarctions localized to the territory of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) and the territory of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) occurred with the same frequency. Transient ischemic attacks preceded infarction in 26% of cases. Symptoms and signs were usual with sudden association of headache, dizziness, unsteadiness and vomiting. Vestibular signs were more important in infarctions of the PICA territory; cerebellar signs and dysarthria were more frequent in infarction of the SCA territory. A decreased level of consciousness developed in only 21% of cases. Surgical operation was required in 9 cases. Investigations have showed the large responsibility of cardiac embolisms and atherosclerosis. Short term outcome was more often favourable: 116 patients were alive at the end of the first month; 80% of survivors were independent one year later. At 5 years, 73% of patients were alive. After the acute period, mortality was mainly due to cerebro-vascular and cardiac events.