Chronic subdural hematoma in the posterior fossa

Abstract

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) in the posterior fossa is extremely rare in the adult population. CT scanning is generally accurate and sufficiently sensitive in the diagnosis of supratentorial subdural hematomas, while MRI has clearly shown its superiority in the detection of subdural collections at unusual locations and particularly in the detailed analysis of the posterior cranial fossa. The surgical strategy is still controversial. We report a case of CSH in the posterior fossa successfully treated with a suboccipital craniectomy. A 70-year-old man; has developed headaches, nausea, cerebellar syndrome and ataxia of walking. Radiological examinations revealed the appearance of a right CSH in the posterior fossa associated with hydrocephalus. Upon rapid deterioration of the patient’s consciousness, urgent treatment was required. A small right suboccipital craniectomy was to access the hematoma. Postoperative computed tomography showed that the CSH and hydrocephalus had been successfully treated.

Keywords

• intracranial hematoma
• posterior fossa
• subdural hematoma