Posterior-fossa intra-tumoural abscess: a report of three patients and literature review

Abstract

Intraparenchymal posterior fossa neoplasms containing intratumoural abscesses are rare. Intrasellar or parasellar tumours are among the common neoplasms developing such a complication, as the result of direct extension of the microbial flora from the contiguous infected sinuses. All meningiomas reported with such a complication have been located parasagittally. A short series of three posterior fossa tumours, containing intra-tumoural abscesses, are described, of which only one was diagnosed pre-operatively. A haematogenous pathway was considered as the mode of spread in all three patients. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in all patients and the features are discussed.

• Abscess
• intratumoural
• neoplasm
• posterior fossa