Neuropediatrics 2012; 43 - PS16_05
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1307123

Long-term outcome and MRI findings in children with acute cerebellitis

E Hennes 1, K Rostásy 1, S Zotter 1, L Dorninger 2, H Hartmann 3, M Häusler 4, P Huppke 5, J Jacobs 6, V Kraus 7, K Schlachter 8, H Ulmer 9, A van Baalen 10, J Koch 11
  • 1Universitätskinderklinik Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
  • 2Landeskrankenhaus Steyr, Steyr, Austria
  • 3Universitätsklinikum Hannover, Hannover, Germany
  • 4Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen, Germany
  • 5Georg-August Universitätsklinikum Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
  • 6Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
  • 7Kinderklinik München Schwabing, München, Germany
  • 8Landeskrankenhaus Bregenz, Bregenz, Austria
  • 9Universitätsklinik Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
  • 10Universitätskinderklinik Kiel, Kiel, Germany
  • 11Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Salzburg, Austria

Aims: Acute cerebellitis (AC) presents with cerebellar symptoms in addition to MRI abnormalities mostly confined to the cerebellum. AC is generally thought to be associated with a favorable outcome and complete recovery in the majority of cases. Our study examined on the long-term outcome and MRI findings of children with AC.

Methods: 12 children with AC and MRI abnormalities (M:F=6:6, age range 13m-14y; duration of follow-up 6m to 10y) were studied. Neurological status was assessed by standardized neurological examination or telephone-based interview and rated with the EDSS scala. Cognitive abilities were assessed using the questionnaire Kognitive Probleme bei Kindern und Jugendlichen filled out by the parents. MRI findings were recorded and correlated with the long-term outcome.

Results: 5/12 patients had persistent neurological problems (intention tremor, ataxia, dysarthria or problems in fine and groß motor skills). 6/12 patients were reported to have persisting neuropsychological problems. In all children a large spectrum of abnormal MRI findings was detected; these initial abnormalities did not correlate with the long-term outcome. MRI follow up studies were performed in 10/12 patients. 2 patients had a normal MRI in the follow up study. 8 patients still had abnormal MRI findings. The extent of abnormal findings was associated with a neurological and cognitive long-term outcome.

Conclusion: The outcome of children with AC in our cohort was not as favorable as expected. The extent of the initially reported MRI findings did not correlate with the long-term outcome.

acute cerebellitis - long-term outcome - MRI findings