The White Cerebellum Sign: An Under Recognized Sign of Increased Intracranial Pressure

Abstract

Background

The “white cerebellum” sign is a rare imaging finding described mainly in children with hypoxic brain injury.

Materials and Methods

Single case report and review of the literature.

Findings

We describe a child with acute bacterial meningitis in whom plain CT and MRI showed the white cerebellum sign. The subtle imagings findings were not recognized and a lumbar puncture was performed. Markedly increased intracranial pressure was documented by lumbar puncture and by placement of an intraparenchymal monitor. Contrary to most prior descriptions the patient made a very good recovery.

Conclusions

The white cerebellum sign is a subtle imaging finding seen in patients with diffuse cerebral edema, such finding may not be as ominous as previously thought.