Cerebellar infarction. Analysis of 22 cases

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cerebellar infarction is a critical neurological event.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for patient management and prognosis.
• Diagnostic imaging modalities play a crucial role in identifying cerebellar lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical manifestations of cerebellar infarction.
• To compare the diagnostic efficacy of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• To determine the optimal imaging technique for diagnosing cerebellar infarction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 22 confirmed cases of cerebellar infarction.
• Clinical data review, including symptoms and neurological signs.
• Diagnostic imaging review using CT and MRI, correlated with autopsy findings where available.

Main Results:

• Posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory was the most common site of infarction (18/22).
• Dizziness/vertigo (19/22) with nausea/vomiting were the most frequent early symptoms.
• Cerebellar signs (ataxia, dysarthria) were present in most but absent in some patients (9/22).
• MRI demonstrated higher resolution and earlier visualization of infarction compared to CT, especially in the posterior fossa.
• Rapid consciousness deterioration indicated brainstem compression and poor prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Cerebellar infarction presents with diverse clinical features, including non-specific symptoms like vertigo.
• While CT can diagnose cerebellar infarction, MRI offers superior sensitivity and earlier detection.
• MRI is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing cerebellar infarction due to its high resolution and ability to overcome bony artifacts.