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.