Status epilepticus associated with subtentorial posterior fossa lesions.
BACKGROUND
Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (SE) is a frequent complication in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit. While seizures have been reported in association with subtentorial posterior fossa lesions, the frequency of occurrence of SE among these patients is not known.


OBJECTIVE
To examine prevalence, clinical features, potential risk factors, and outcome of SE among patients presenting with subtentorial posterior fossa lesions.


METHODS
Retrospective review of our hospital database was conducted to identify patients with posterior fossa lesions complicated by SE over 1 year between April 1, 2007, and May 1, 2008.


METHODS
Tertiary care setting.


METHODS
Patients with subtentorial posterior fossa lesions admitted to the hospital for neurological or neurosurgical care.


METHODS
Prevalence of SE, potential risk factors, and eventual neurological outcome.


RESULTS
Over 1 year, 13 of 501 patients (2.6%) admitted to the hospital with posterior fossa lesions had SE. Some patients had risk factors for SE such as sepsis, use of particular drugs, or intracranial bleeding, while others had no other clear identifiable cause.


CONCLUSIONS
Status epilepticus can be a potential complication in patients with posterior fossa cranial lesions and can be seen in up to 2.6% of such patients. Most have unfavorable outcome.
Grill
Marie F
MF
Barrow Neurological Institute of St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA.
Treiman
David M
DM
Maganti
Rama K
RK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000473:pathology*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult