Transient hydrocephalus and acute lead encephalopathy in neonates and infants. Report of two cases

Abstract

In the Sultanate of Oman acute lead encephalopathy in neonates is common. Brain oedema in acute lead encephalopathy occurs predominantly in the cerebellar vermis and may act as a midline posterior fossa mass, occluding the fourth ventricle. The resultant transient obstructive hydrocephalus may need emergency drainage of cerebro-spinal fluid. The hydrocephalus is transient as vermis oedema subsides with medical treatment. Two such cases are reported and discussed.