Posterior Fossa Strokes at UTH Kara (Togo): Clinical, Radiological and Prognostic Aspects
Introduction: Posterior fossa strokes account for approximately 20 % of all strokes, yet their diagnosis is often delayed due to atypical clinical presentations and limited access to specific neuroimaging, especially in resource-constrained settings. This study aimed to describe the clinical, radiological, and prognostic features of posterior fossa strokes admitted to the Neurology Department of UTH Kara, Togo.
Method: This was a retrospective case series conducted over 12 months (January 1 – December 31, 2024) in the neurology department of UTH Kara. Included cases had radiologically confirmed strokes exclusively localized in the posterior fossa. Data collected included demographic, clinical, radiological, and outcome variables.
Results: Out of 203 hospitalized stroke patients, 20 cases (9.9 %) were located in the posterior fossa. The mean age was 59.9 ± 11.8 years, with a female predominance (70.0 %). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (80.0 %). The mean Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 11.0 ± 4.7, with 35.0 % of patients presenting in a coma. Ischemic strokes predominated (70.0 %), with frequent involvement of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). Overall mortality was 25.0 %, with no statistically significant association with stroke type.
Conclusion: Posterior fossa strokes represent a significant clinical burden in Kara, marked by high severity and limited access to advanced imaging. Strengthening technical platforms and enhancing clinical training for early detection are critical to improving patient outcomes.