Acute Post Infectious Cerebellitis Presenting as Hydrocephalus: A Rare Presentation

Abstract

Acute post infectious cerebellitis, also known as acute cerebellar ataxia, is a rare inflammatory syndrome often characterized by cerebellar dysfunction of rapid onset. Although usually benign and self-limiting, acute cerebellitis may manifest a fulminant course. We describe a patient referred to our center with acute cerebellitis, complicated by hydrocephalus. An 32-year-old female presented with headache, nausea, vomiting, and gait and limbs ataxia 2 weeks after following a respiratory tract infection. CT showed obstructive hydrocephalus. MRI showed bilateral cerebellar swelling with hyperintense signals on T2-weighted imaging. The diagnosis was acute post infectious cerebellitis. Following treatment with corticosteroids, the clinical signs resolved. The patient made an uneventful recovery, with elimination of neurologic deficit.(JMS 2010;13(2):67-69)