Pediatric Posterior Fossa Epidural Hematomas

Aim: Posterior fossa epidural hematoma (PFEDH) in the pediatric age group is a very rare condition and the treatment method is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the observation results in the management of pediatric patients with PFEDH in our tertiary care hospital and to investigate the importance of the relationship of the hematoma with the cerebral venous sinuses, which has not been investigated before in the literature, in the treatment decision. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine. All patients (≤ 17 years) diagnosed with PFEDH between January 2010 and May 2022 were included in this study. Demographic data, clinical signs, trauma type and symptoms at presentation, CT findings, type of treatment, and outcomes were collected. CT findings including hematoma thickness, hydrocephalus, presence of fourth ventricular compression, relation with cerebral venous sinuses and other associated brain injuries were evaluated. Results: The patient group consists of two girl and six boy. The most common cause of PFEDH was a fall from a height resulting in a blow to the back of the head in four patients. Vomiting was the most frequent presenting symptom. Four patients had a relation between cerebral venous sinuses and hematoma, and two of these patients underwent surgical treatment. Conclusion: In addition to criteria such as hematoma thickness, GCS, hydrocephalus, and compression of the fourth ventricle, we determined that the relationship of hematoma with venous sinuses is a criterion to be evaluated.