Acute pseudotumoral hemicerebilitis in a pediatric patient: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Acute Pseudotumoral Hemicerebellitis is an uncommon type of cerebellitis in childhood, etiologically variable, and generally of benign course. It can present with nonspecific symptoms for cerebellar dysfunction. Case report: Is presented a case of Pseudotumoral Hemicerebellitis in an eight-year-old boy presenting with a severe recurrent headache that did not attenuate with regular treatment. A multidisciplinary team evaluated the patient. A spinal tap and a cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were performed, cerebrospinal fluid showed alterations, and the MRI reported injury in the right cerebellar hemisphere. The patient did not present symptoms of cerebellar dysfunction. Conclusion: Pseudotumoral Hemicerebellitis is a rare type of acute cerebellitis that resembles a tumor in the posterior fossa. The symptoms are variable and lack cerebellar dysfunction symptomatology. Its evolution is commonly benign, but the early diagnosis and treatment are a must since it could be fatal. A cranial MRI is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.