A Rare Presentation of Dandy-Walker Syndrome with Meningitis Symptoms in a 3-Month-Old Female: A Case Study From Somalia

Abstract

Abdirahman Omer Ali,1,2 Salah Abdikarim Abdilahi,3 Hinda Abdiwahab Ahmed,3 Hodan Hassan Ahmed,3 Abdirasak Abdulkadir Muse,3 Mohamoud Hashi Abdi4 1College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Amoud University, Borama, Somalia; 2Borama Regional Hospital, Pediatric Department, Borama, Somalia; 3College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Adal Medical University, Borama, Somalia; 4Borama Regional Hospital, Radiology Department, Borama, SomaliaCorrespondence: Abdirahman Omer Ali, Email [email protected]: Dandy-Walker Syndrome (DWS) is a rare cerebellar malformation characterized by the underdevelopment of the cerebellar vermis and associated complications. This case report presents a 3-month-old female from Somalia who exhibited fever, loss of consciousness, vomiting, and developmental delays. Neurological examination suggested signs of meningitis, and MRI revealed an enlarged posterior fossa consistent with DWS. Despite initial antibiotic treatment for suspected bacterial meningitis, CSF cultures yielded no growth, raising concerns about prior antibiotic use. Unfortunately, the patient’s condition deteriorated, leading to her death. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of DWS in resource-limited settings and emphasizes the need for improved healthcare access, early diagnosis, and intervention for rare neurological conditions.Keywords: Dandy-Walker syndrome, cerebellar malformation, macrocephaly, developmental delay

Keywords

• dandy-walker syndrome
• cerebellar malformation
• macrocephaly
• developmental delay