A STUDY OF POSTERIOR FOSSA MALFORMATIONS: MR IMAGING

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to describe the imaging findings of various posterior fossa malformations and to evaluate the supratentorial abnormalities associated with posterior fossa malformations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of 30 patients with posterior fossa malformations detected in the department of Radiodiagnosis, BMCRI over a period of two years, from December 2012 to December 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. The various posterior fossa malformations were evaluated. Associated supratentorial abnormalities were noted. RESULTS: 30 patients with posterior fossa malformations were included in the study. The age group of patients ranged from 1year to 53years. There were 18 males and 12 females. The various posterior fossa malformations detected were Dandy Walker malformation (1 case), Dandy Walker variant (2 cases), mega cisterna magna (8 cases), arachnoid cysts (5 cases), Chiari 1 malformation (5 cases), Chairi 2 malformation (2 cases), Joubert malformation (1 case), lipoma (2 cases), vermian and/or cerebellar hypoplasia without posterior fossa CSF collection or cyst (4 cases). Associated supratentorial abnormalities were seen in 8 cases. CONCLUSION: MRI is the imaging modality of choice in the evaluation of posterior fossa malformations. It is very important to know the imaging findings of these malformations and to have knowledge about the various supratentorial and spinal abnormalities associated with them so as to provide an accurate diagnosis which is very essential for