Temporal lobe uncal herniation with contralateral superior cerebellar artery infarct

J Forensic Sci. 2024 Jan;69(1):337-340. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.15382. Epub 2023 Sep 26.

Abstract

Herniation of the temporal lobe uncus typically leads to the compression of the ipsilateral oculomotor nerve, resulting in ipsilateral mydriasis, as well as compression of the ipsilateral posterior cerebral artery, leading to infarction in the posterior inferior temporal lobe and medial occipital cortex. In this report, we present the case of a 45-year-old man with a large left subdural hematoma. At autopsy, we observed left cingulate and uncal herniations, along with the characteristic lesions of Kernohan notch phenomenon due to compression of the contralateral cerebral peduncle. Additionally, a hemorrhagic infarct was identified in the right cerebellar hemisphere in the distribution of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA). This case provides the first autopsy report of uncal herniation with contralateral SCA infarct, an extremely rare condition. Importantly, this vascular complication may often go unnoticed in patients with Kernohan notch phenomenon although it may carry a grave clinical prognosis.

Keywords: Kernohan notch phenomenon; cerebellar infarct; forensic neuropathology; parahippocampal herniation; subdural hemorrhage; transtentorial herniation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arteries / pathology
  • Brain Diseases*
  • Hematoma, Subdural / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infarction
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Temporal Lobe / pathology