Paediatric Posterior Fossa Tumors : An Epidemiological and Analytical Study at Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern India

Abstract

Introduction: Posterior fossa is the commonest site of primary intracranial tumors in children, accounting for 45-60% of 1 all pediatric tumors . The aims and objectives of the study is to analyse the incidence, clinical features, surgical outcome and complications in paediatric patients with posterior fossa tumor. Material and Methods: The present study is a non-randomized prospective observational study, conducted in the department of neurosurgery, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (B.I.N), IPGME & R, Kolkata from January 2019 to December 2020. Sample size is 50. Observations & Results: Out of 480 cases of total CNS tumors who presented in the study period, 96 cases(20%) were of paediatric posterior fossa tumors. Male dominance was seen i.e. 32 cases(64%). Most of them were in the age group 5-12 years i.e. 30 cases(60%). Headache and vomiting was the most common presenting complain present in 41 cases(82%). Fourth Ventricle was the most common location, 30 cases(60%) with Medulloblastoma being the most common tumor, 24 cases(48%). Brainstem involvement was seen in 22 cases(44%). Post-op hydrocephalus and cerebellar mutism were seen in 6 cases(12%) each. Overall mortality was 8%(4 cases). Conclusion: Posterior fossa tumors are critical brain lesions with signicant neurological morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of posterior fossa tumors is vital to prevent potential risks of Brain stem compression, herniation, hydrocephalus and death. With rapid advancement in radiology and the advent of modern therapeutic modalities, early diagnosis and treatment reduced the morbidity and mortality rate and improved prognosis among the patients.