Long-Term Outcome of Children with Acute Cerebellitis

E. Hennes; S. Zotter; L. Dorninger; H. Hartmann; M. Häusler; P. Huppke; J. Jacobs; V. Kraus; C. Makowski; K. Schlachter; H. Ulmer; A. van Baalen; J. Koch; T. Gotwald; K. Rostasy

doi:10.1055/s-0032-1324732

Neuropediatrics, Table of Contents

Neuropediatrics 2012; 43(05): 240-248
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1324732

Original Article

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Long-Term Outcome of Children with Acute Cerebellitis

Authors

E. Hennes

¹Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
S. Zotter

¹Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
L. Dorninger

²Department of Pediatrics, Steyr Regional Hospital, Steyr, Austria
H. Hartmann

³Department of Pediatrics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
M. Häusler

⁴Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
P. Huppke

⁵Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
J. Jacobs

⁶Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
V. Kraus

⁷Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children Hospital, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany
C. Makowski

⁷Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children Hospital, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany
K. Schlachter

⁸Department of Pediatrics, Bregenz Regional Hospital, Bregenz, Austria
H. Ulmer

⁹Department of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Health Economics, University Hospital Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
A. van Baalen

¹⁰Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Kiel, Kiel, Germany
J. Koch

¹¹Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
T. Gotwald

¹²Departement of Radiology, Hospital Kettenbrücke, Innsbruck, Austria
K. Rostasy

¹Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria

Abstract

Background Acute cerebellitis (AC) is characterized by cerebellar symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes primarily confined to the cerebellum.

Objective To analyze the neurological and cognitive long-term outcome of children with AC.

Methods Children with AC diagnosed by typical clinical features and MRI findings were included in this retrospective study. Medical charts were reviewed and neurological deficits were assessed by neurological examination or by the expanded disability status scale telephone interview. Cognitive outcome was evaluated with a parental questionnaire (Kognitive Probleme bei Kindern und Jugendlichen).

Results A total of 11 children (6 boys, 5 girls; age range: 3 years to 14 years and 10 months) were included. Of them, six children had a severe disease manifestation including mental status changes and neurological symptoms. Of the rest, two children had a moderate and three children had a mild form of AC. MRI of the cerebellum was obtained in the acute phase revealing signal alterations with different patterns. The average follow-up period was 4 years and 4 months. A complete recovery was observed in five children. Neurological sequelae were reported in five children ranging from ataxia to mild tremor. Cognitive deficits were found in six patients. The affected areas of cognition did include spatial visualization ability, language skills, and concentration.

Conclusion Neurological and cognitive sequelae are common in children with AC and underline the role of the cerebellum in cognition.

Keywords

children - acute cerebellitis - long-term outcome - MRI

Full Text

References

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