1. To discuss the most common posterior fossa tumors, including their clinical manifestations. 2. To review and illustrate the imaging findings of these neoplasms with histopathological correlation. 3. To present some important imaging characteristics that may help narrow the differential diagnosis.

Located near the brain stem and cerebellum, the posterior fossa is a small space in the skull (Fig.2). Due to this limited space within the posterior fossa, as well as the potential involvement of the vital brainstem nuclei, tumors in the posterior fossa are considered some of the most critical brain lesions. These neoplasms are predominantly seen in children, having as the most common symptoms raised intracranial pressure with headache and vomiting. The differential diagnosis of brain tumors begins with an accurate assessment of lesion...

INTRODUCTION Brain tumor is a complex disease, often with serious repercutions,especially when occurring in the posterior cranial fossa.Regarding by its location, theposterior fossa tumors are considered critical, as they can cause fromhydrocephalus and ataxia to cranial nerve palsy,herniation and death. Posterior fossa tumors are more common in children than in adults. Between 54% and 70% of all childhood brain tumors originate in the posterior fossa while 15-20% of brain tumors in adults occur in the posterior fossa. Magnectic Ressonance Imaging (MRI) can be used toacquire...

Neuroimaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of brain tumors of the posterior fossa. It is essential regarding localization, characterization, and extension pattern of posterior fossa tumors. Although there are several differences between the most frequent posterior fossa tumors, a reliable prediction of tumor histology or grade by neuroimaging remains currently impossible. Future developments including molecular imaging may give important specific information about tumor histology and grade.

HOSPITAL DA RESTAURAÇÃO- RECIFE- PERNAMBUCO- BRAZIL AUTHORS: ADONIS MANZELLA, MD, MSc- [email protected] MARIANA VASCONCELOS, MD LUCILO ÁVILA-NETO ERICK CAVALCANTE, MD STERFFERSON MORAIS, MD DIEGO SOUSA, MD GILLIS LAGO, MD LUIZ NASCIMENTO-NETO, MD

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