Aseptic meningitis following posterior fossa surgery in children

✓ The results of suboccipital craniectomy for varying types of posterior fossa pathology in 50 children are reported. Thirty-five (70%) experienced aseptic meningitis postoperatively, with spiking fever and meningismus; cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies revealed pleocytosis, high protein values, and depression of glucose. The absence of bacterial pathogens in serial CSF cultures distinguishes this syndrome from septic meningitis. Aseptic meningitis does not respond to antibiotics, but steroids in suitable doses will modify or suppress the clinical and CSF picture. This syndrome may predispose to postoperative hydrocephalus, but steroid therapy may diminish this risk.