Cerebellar abscess. A review of 47 cases. Issue 5 (May 1975)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shaw, M D; Russell, J A
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 38:Issue 5(1975)
• Page Start: 429
• Page End: 435
• Publication Date: 1975-05
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.38.5.429
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Forty-seven cases of cerebellar abscess have been reviewed, 93% of which were secondary to otogenic disease. There has been little change in the annual incidence during the period of time under review. The overall mortality was 41%, but with successive decades the mortality has increased. Three factors appear to be of importance in determining survival: the patient's ability to control his infection; reduction of the effect of the posterior fossa mass, preferably by complete excision of the abscess under antibiotic cover; and, in the case of otogenic abscess, an adequate radical mastoidectomy with bone removal to the site of attachment of the abscess to the dura mater.