An ischemic cerebellar infarction can result from occlusion of the main supplying vessels of the Cerebellum .
Epidemiology
With approximately 2,3% of all cerebral infarctions[^2], cerebellar infarction is relatively rare compared with supratentorial infarctions.
Imaging
Surgical treatment
Extensive cerebellar infarctions can, typically 12 - 96 hours after infarct onset, lead to dangerous swelling with obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and compression of the brainstem . If neurological deterioration with a decline in level of consciousness occurs as a result of the swelling, surgical decompression may be indicated, as may placement of an external ventricular drain. Decompression of the posterior fossa can create additional space to ensure continued cerebrospinal fluid drainage and relieve brainstem compression[^1][^3].
Prognosis after surgical treatment
In a 2018 meta-analysis, patients who underwent suboccipital decompressive craniectomy due to a cerebellar infarction had an unfavorable outcome in 28% of cases and a mortality rate of 19,9%[^4].