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Neuropediatrics 2007; 38(3): 160-163
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-985909
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The “Dark Cerebellar Sign”

T. A. G. M. Huisman 1 , S. H. Kubat 1 , B. P. Eckhardt 1
  • 1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Further Information

Publication History

received 17. 04. 2007

accepted 12. 07. 2007

Publication Date:
05 November 2007 (online)

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Abstract

We present and discuss the “dark cerebellar sign” in contrast to the well known “white cerebellar sign”. The “white cerebellar sign” relates to a normal cerebellum which appears hyperdense in contrast to a pathological hypodense cerebrum on computer tomography (CT). We present a child with a “dark cerebellar sign” characterized by an ischemic or edematous cerebellum which appears hypodense in contrast to a normal relatively dense cerebrum. Isolated infarction of the cerebellum is a rare finding in premature neonates. Even rarer, cerebellar infarction may be observed in children and young adults due to an overdose of tricyclic antidepressants (TCA). The reason for the selective cerebellar infarction with TCA intoxication is still unknown. Our case shows that TCA intoxication should be included in the differential diagnosis of children with a “dark cerebellar sign”.

Key words

white cerebellum - dark cerebellum - tricyclic antidepressant - computer tomography

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Correspondence

T. A. G. M. HuismanMD 

Division Pediatric Radiology

Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology

Johns Hopkins Hospital

600 N Wolfe Str.

Nelson, B-173

Baltimore, MD 21287

USA

Phone: 410/955/61 40

Fax: 410/502/36 33

Email: thuisma1@jhmi.edu

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