Posterior cranial fossa space occupying lesions at Kenyatta National Hospital. (1981 - 1989
Abstract
A review of the clinical presentation,
management and outcome of 46 patients, over a 9 year
period who presented with posterior fossa space occupying
lesions is presented.
Cerebellar space occupying lesions are the
commonest in the posterior fossa. However, Brainstem
gliomas are the most common specific lesion in the
region (35% cases).
It is interesting to note that the youngest
child diagnosed is 2 years as compared to other studies
where much younger patients exist. The arguements for
this anomaly and other age and sex characteristics
are discussed.
17% of the patients presented with total
blindness as compared to Nil in other recent reviews.
This calls for corrective remedial measures urgently.
Tuberculomas have become
case over the last six years was
infective space occupying lesions
of cases.
rare and only one
seen. Generally,
infective space occupying lessons account for 13%of cases.
Followup is disappointing. 50% (N=38l of the
patients who left hospital were not heard from again.
Their fate remains mysterious. Further, in those who
turned up no quantifiable measure is made of their
recovery.
It is recommended strongly that there is a
need to have a standard, reproducible and repeatable
measure that expresses the degree of recovery at a glance.
Other suggestions for followup are presented.
Citation
Degree of Master of MedicinePublisher
University of Nairobi School of Medicine