Extensive Supratentorial Hemorrhages Following Posterior Fossa Meningioma Surgery

Abstract

Remote supratentorial hematoma soon after posterior fossa surgery for the removal of a space-occupying lesion is a rare but dramatic and dreaded complication, carrying significant morbidity and mortality. A 47-year-old woman presented with headache of 1-year duration that worsened over last 2 months, progressive ataxia of 2 months’ duration, blurring and diminution of vision of 2 months’ duration and forgetfulness of 2 months’ duration. Fundus showed bilateral papille dema, and visual acuity was 6/9 in both eyes. She had left-sided cerebellar signs. There were no focal motor or sensory neurological deficits. MRI brain with contrast showed a large posterior fossa tumor with obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient underwent
left paramedian suboccipital craniectomy in prone position with left side up. In the immediate postoperative period, the patient did no recover from anesthesia and was persistently drowsy. Immediate repeat CT scan showed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage spread all over the bilateral cerebral hemispheres with diffuse cerebral edema. The patient recovered with conservative management without deficits. This case stresses the importance of early postoperative CT scan and optimal management of the hemorrhage for good outcome.

Key words: Meningioma, posterior fossa surgery, supratentorial hemorrhage