Subdural hematoma in the posterior cranial fossa represents 0.5 to 2.5% of all subdural hematomas. Because of the limited space in the posterior fossa, a lesion causing a mass effect on the computed tomographic (CT) scan should be treated with a surgical procedure in order to decompress the neural structures and to avoid adverse consequences. A mass effect is defined as:
- Compression of IV ventricle
- Loss of visualization of basal cisterns or obstructive hydrocephalus
Surgical intervention should be performed as soon as possible in patients with mass lesions that show CT evidence of a mass effect, or result in progressive neurological dysfunction. Suboccipital craniectomy is the recommended method reported for evacuation of posterior fossa hematomas.
- Compression of IV ventricle
- Loss of visualization of basal cisterns or obstructive hydrocephalus
Surgical intervention should be performed as soon as possible in patients with mass lesions that show CT evidence of a mass effect, or result in progressive neurological dysfunction. Suboccipital craniectomy is the recommended method reported for evacuation of posterior fossa hematomas.
References
- Bullock MR, Chesnut R, Ghajar J, Gordon D, Hartl R, Newell DW, Servadei F, Walters BC, Wilberger J. Surgical Management of Posterior Fossa Mass Lesions. Neurosurgery 58(Suppl):S2-47-S2-55, 2006.
