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Médecine thérapeutique / Pédiatrie

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Posterior fossa malformations Volume 16, issue 3, Juillet-Août-Septembre 2013

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Author
Praticien Hospitalier, Service de Neuroradiologie, CHRU de Lille, av. Pr. E. Laine, 59037 Lille Cedex, France

A classification of posterior fossa malformations based on cerebellar development, genetics, or molecular biology is a challenging task and unlikely to be realised in the near future. However, a classification based on anatomical features and associated morphological variation enhances the diagnosis of all such malformations. Several anatomical landmarks are useful to classify these malformations. A detailed study of subcutaneous tissue may reveal the presence of dermal sinus or meningoceles. Analysis of the mega cisterna magna and sub-arachnoid spaces may reveal Chiari malformation and all other cystic posterior fossa malformations, which include arachnoid cysts and Blake's pouch cyst. Finally, the vermian volume and associated fissures may reveal a diagnosis of Dandy Walker and vermian hypoplasia, dysplasia and atrophy.