Posterior fossa extradural hematoma: our experience and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Posterior fossa EDH is an uncommon entity, accounting for only 4% to 12.9% of all EDHs It has a characteristic clinical presentation, which if detected can be life-saving.


METHODS
We sought to study the demographic features of patients with PFEDH and assess the clinical and radiologic predictors of the outcomes of as well as evaluate the various treatment modalities for this disease. We carried out a retrospective analysis of the cases of 61 patients with PFEDH who were admitted to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Bangalore, India) from 1991 through 2002. We analyzed various parameters and applied Fisher's exact test for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
Mostly male individuals were affected with PFEDH. Their GCS score at admission and the presence of hydrocephalus as detected by CT scan determined the outcome of the patients. The children had better outcomes than did the adults. Patients with a good GCS score could be managed conservatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Posterior fossa EDH is rare. The PF is an unfavorable location of a hematoma. Good GCS scores have a favorable prognosis. Children have better outcomes than do adults, and the presence of hydrocephalus on CT scan is an ominous sign.
Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India. nkhursh@rediffmail.com
Nayil Khursheed
NK
Malik
Rumana
R
Makhdoomi
Bhagvatula
B
Indira
Satish
S
Shankar
Kolluri
K
Sastry
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D023261:Glasgow Outcome Scale; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome