Severe cerebellar atrophy following acute cerebellitis

Acute Cerebellitis Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

“…Etiological diagnosis was made by PCR detection of HSV-1 DNA in CSF. The clinical courses and the MRI findings were similar for our patients but quite different from those described in cases of acute cerebellitis due to other causes, in which foci of edema or demyelination in cerebellar white matter were observed [7,24,25].…”

Sudden Death from Fulminant Acute Cerebellitis

“…Though some clinicians believe that acute cerebellitis is a self-limiting condition with a time course similar to that of its etiology [1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11], the case presented here resulted in the rapid demise of the patient. Early intervention, prior to fulminant cerebellar swelling, is imperative for optimizing patient outcomes.…”

“…Clinicians must be wary when patients describe histories suggestive of posterior fossa etiologies. Such histories include symptoms of cranial nerve dysfunction, opsoclonus, progressive posterior headaches (often worse in the morning) and gait and/or balance dysfunction [1, 2, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13]. Fundoscopic examination is an imperative part of the physical examination, as papilledema may be a sensitive indicator of elevated intracranial pressure.…”

“…It has been shown to have a self-limiting course with either resolution or persisting sequelae of the disease manifesting as cerebellar dysfunction [1, 2, 3]. Typically, obstructive hydrocephalus with bilateral cerebellar parenchymal abnormalities are noted on MRI.…”

MRI findings in acute cerebellitis

“…It typically occurs as a primary infectious, post-infectious or post-vaccination disorder and mostly presents in early childhood. Usually AC is a benign and self-limiting disease [1]; however, when fulminant it may end in sudden death or give rise to severe cerebellar atrophy [2,3].…”