White Cerebellum Sign is a Rare Finding Representing an Irreversible Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury: A Case Report

Abstract

White cerebellum sign is a rare entity seen in patients with severe anoxic brain injury. There are various theories postulated as a cause of this sign, but confirmatory cause is not identified yet. It is usually seen in childhood and it is usually associated with poor outcome.Here we present a case of an elderly male who presented with this rare sign.

The white cerebellum sign with good prognosis: A case report

“…The pathogenesis remains unknown and several theories have been proposed; it could be due to high intracranial pressure with partial venous obstruction leading to deep distension of the medullary vein, to preferential preservation of blood flow in the posterior circulation compared to the anterior circulation partial relief of elevated intracranial pressure by transtentorial herniation, other explanations include preserved brain tissue, petechial hemorrhage, and mineralized neurons for high-density areas on CT, and severe edema and/or tissue destruction for low-density areas on CT. Although the white sign may be discrete on imaging its recognition is essential because lumbar punctures may result in downward herniation due to a pressure gradient between the supra- and subtentorial compartments [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] .…”

The “White Cerebellum Sign”, a Striking Computed Tomography Scan Finding in a Critically Ill Infant: A Case Report

“…This may be explained by cerebral edema in hypoxic-ischemic cases. [4][5][6] We present this case in view of the rarity of this sign (especially in the context of infection or malaria), its classic radiological appearance, and its prognostic significance. The patient was managed in a hospital located in a resourcelimited country, where cerebral infections, including meningitis and cerebral malaria, are devastating to children.…”