Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences
Potentially life-threatening emergency
Posterior fossa hematoma
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed
Potentially life-threatening emergency

Posterior fossa hematoma

Contributors: Ross Hamilton MD, Richard L. Barbano MD, PhD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Posterior fossa hematomas are life-threatening hemorrhages that affect the structures of the posterior fossa (cerebellum and the brainstem) and can cause coma and death in severe cases. While there are many causes of nontraumatic posterior fossa hemorrhages, primary hypertensive hemorrhages, ruptured aneurysms / vascular malformation, and hemorrhage associated with anticoagulation or thrombolytics make up the majority.

Symptoms from a posterior fossa hemorrhage are typically acute in onset and can include severe headache, vomiting, decreased level of consciousness, hemiplegia, vertigo, ataxia, and gait abnormalities. In severe cases, patients can present with coma.

Etiologies of posterior fossa hemorrhages include the following:
  • Primary hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage – History, vitals, and CT head without contrast showing a hemorrhage in a location typical of primary hypertensive hemorrhages should make this diagnosis.
  • Ruptured aneurysm – CT angiogram may be diagnostic, but if suspicion is high enough for an aneurysm, a conventional angiogram would be the test of choice.
  • Ruptured arteriovenous malformation less often can have venous or dural vascular malformations – Conventional angiogram.
  • Hemorrhage into primary and secondary brain tumors – MRI with contrast.
  • Venous sinus thrombosis
  • Trauma – History and a CT head without contrast should be sufficient to make this diagnosis.
  • Septic or mycotic aneurysm
  • Hemorrhagic conversion into an ischemic stroke
  • Hemorrhagic disorders such as leukemia, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, severe liver disease, complications of anticoagulation therapy or thrombolytic therapy, hypofibrinogenemia, hemophilia, and other hematologic disorders
  • Illicit drugs (eg, cocaine)

Codes

ICD10CM:
G93.5 – Compression of brain

SNOMEDCT:
301764006 – Hematoma of brain

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:05/22/2018
Last Updated:05/22/2018
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Potentially life-threatening emergency
Posterior fossa hematoma
Print  
A medical illustration showing key findings of Posterior fossa hematoma : Headache, Vomiting, Ataxia, Gait disturbance, Loss of consciousness, Vertigo
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.