Traumatic epidural hematomas of the posterior cranial fossa

BACKGROUND: Traumatic EDHs of the posterior cranial fossa are rare and have a higher mortality than supratentorial localizations. Early diagnosis of TEHPCF and prompt surgical evacuation provide excellent recovery. Active use of cranial CT scanning has taken a major role in the diagnosis, surgical indication, close observation, and strategy planning. As a result, better prognosis is achieved. In this study, we represent our results and experiences in the management of TEHPCF. METHODS: Between 1993 and 2006, 65 patients with TEHPCF were treated in Istanbul University Faculty Of Medicine, Neurosurgery and Emergency Surgery Departments. The hospital records of these patients were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of 65 patients, whose diagnosis and management decisions were determined by cranial CT scans, 53 were treated through surgery and 12 by conservative methods. Of the 53 surgically treated patients, 2 (3%) patients died, and 2 (3%) other patients remained moderately disabled during their discharge. As a result, 61 (94%) of 65 patients had excellent recovery. CONCLUSION: When compared with the literature, our mortality rate was superior to other previously reported studies. In our opinion, this is a result of extensive use of the cranial CT scan together with aggressive surgery. Patients with occipital trauma should be evaluated using cranial CT scans, and those showing mass effect should be immediately treated surgically. The patients that have no mass effect on CT scans can be closely observed by planned serial control CT scans.     

Acute bilateral extradural haematoma of the posterior cranial fossa

Traumatic haematomas located in the posterior fossa are less frequent than those above the tentorium. Extradural haematomas are the most common type of haematomas in the posterior fossa and are usually unilateral. We present the case of a patient with a bilateral extradural haematomas of the posterior fossa and review eight cases previously reported in the literature.     

Traumatic epidural haematoma of the posterior fossa in childhood: 16 new cases and a review of the literature

A series of 16 children (nine males, seven females) with traumatic epidural haematoma of the posterior fossa (TEHPF) is presented. All patients had a history of mild to moderate trauma to the occiput. The causes were falls in 15 and traffic accident in one case. Four of the 16 cases had depressed fractures of the occipital bone. Surgical intervention was performed in all cases. In 14 patients the outcome was good, one patient had moderate disability and one died. Our study revealed that early diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention may give the patient a chance of total recovery and craniotomy with haematoma evacuation is an appropriate surgical technique as in the case of supratentorial extradural hematoma.     

Haemangioblastomas of the posterior cranial fossa

Summary The clinical features, diagnostic and surgical aspects of haemangioblastoma of the posterior cranial fossa are discussed in the light of a series of 61 personal cases and the published data. CT and vertebral angiography are compared as diagnostic tools. With the aid of microsurgery even haemangioblastomas of the brainstem and fourth ventricle can be removed successfully.     

Extradural hematoma of the posterior cranial fossa

Fourteen cases of an extradural hematoma of the posterior fossa (EDHPF), are presented and the clinical and radiological findings are described. The onset of symptoms was acute in 10 patients and subacute in the other 4. Hematomas occurred in the younger age groups with a clear male predominance. Nine cases had suffered a blow to the head. A fracture of the occipital bone was seen in 86% of the patients. The bleeder could be identified in 10 cases, and in 6 of these the source was a bleeding transverse sinus. The overall mortality was 14.2%, but only patients with an acute course died (20%). All subacute cases survived. This study revealed that the most important factors influencing mortality were late diagnosis and late treatment. Coexisting intracranial lesions had no influence on mortality. According to the literature, there has been a certain decrease in mortality in the acute and subacute course patients since the introduction of computed tomography (CT) scanning. Emphasis is placed on the importance of occipital soft-tissue swelling and occipital fracture as clues to the possible presence of extradural hematomas, and of using the CT in all such patients even if no clinical symptoms are present.     

Epidural hematoma of the posterior cranial fossa

The use of CT scans has entirely modified the prognosis of epidural hematomas of the posterior cranial fossa. The analysis of a personal series of 20 cases diagnosed and treated over a 10 year period, that is 6.5% of E.D.H. cases seen in this hospital, has enabled us: to propose an anatomical study regrouping the different topographic forms observed in the literature as well as in the present series. to check the deceptive radiological appearance of these hematomas. The main sign remains the existence of a cranial fracture at the level of the occipital bone. Repeated CT scans should attempt to localize this lesion. In 15% of our cases, the lesion was only detected on the second CT scan. to recommend a simple and rapid surgical procedure in the ventral decubitus position, which does not involve the foramen magnum approach. This is performed away from the occipital junction of the venous sinus. to underline the progressive decrease in the mortality rate (10%) and the good subsequent prognosis of these apparently serious forms which have left no sequelae.     

Epidural haematoma of the posterior fossa with delayed operation

Summary A case of chronic epidural haematoma of the posterior fossa is reported. The lesion was studied with cerebral angiography and computed tomography. The patient was under observation for two weeks before the extradural clot was. removed. The membrane surrounding the haematoma was examined histologically. The importance of computed tomography in the diagnosis of traumatic lesions of the posterior fossa is emphasized.     

Chronic extradural hematomas of the posterior cranial fossa

During the past 6 years, seven patients with chronic extradural hematomas have been observed at these hospitals. All had a history of occipital injury. Occipital fracture was demonstrated in five cases (by skull x-ray in three cases, at operation in two). The diagnosis was obtained by computed tomography scan in six cases and by iodoventriculography in one. One patient had an associated cerebral lesion, namely, a contralateral temporoparietal contusion. The interval between injury and operation ranged from 27 to 13 days with a mean of 19 days. Only one patient was not operated on, because he was free from symptoms and the hematoma was small. The course was excellent in all seven cases.     

Traumatic posterior fossa haemorrhage in children

Summary We report ten cases of post-traumatic posterior fossa haemorrhage occurring in children. All patients were studied by CT scan. Five had an intracerebellar haemorrhage, three a brain stem haemorrhage, and two an extradural haematoma. In four cases we have found the coexistence of supratentorial and infratentorial haemorrhagic lesions.The incidence of posterior fossa haemorrhage in children, the importance of linear occipital fracture, the clinical course, the conservative or surgical treatment, and the prognosis are discussed.This paper was presented at the 7th International Congress of Neurological Surgery, München, 12–18 July 1981.     

Surgical treatment for epidural abscess in the posterior cranial fossa using trapezius muscle or musculocutaneous flap

Two patients developed an epidural abscess in the posterior cranial fossa following tumor dissection from the occipital region of the head and underwent surgical treatment. After debridement of necrotic and infectious tissues inside the abscess was performed, the empty cavity was filled and the tissue defect was reconstructed by using a trapezius muscle flap or a trapezius musculocutaneous flap. Both patients had good clinical results, and their abscesses were healed. The trapezius muscle flap and trapezius musculocutaneous flap were quite useful in the treatment for epidural abscess in the posterior cranial fossa.     

Cerebellar tuberculoma mimicking posterior cranial fossa tumour

A young girl presented with history of prolonged fever, vomiting and headache. CT scan of brain revealed a space occupying lesion in posterior cranial fossa with moderate hydrocephalus. Surgery was performed and histopathology report confirmed the lesion as tuberculous. Patient showed smooth postoperative recovery and complete remission of complaints on antituberculous treatment for one year and regular follow-up.     

Simultaneous posterior and middle cranial fossa neurinomas

Summary A case of unilateral association of a neurinoma of the VIII nerve and a neurinoma of the temporal fossa in a 33-year-old woman without von Recklinghausen disease stigmata is presented.This uncommon association can mimic the picture of a trigeminal neurinoma with a dumb-bell extension into the posterior fossa.