Catatonia associated with pediatric postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome

To ascertain the presence of catatonia in cases of pediatric postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome (PPCMS).

A systematic review of PPCMS case reports of patients aged 0–17 years with sufficient clinical information to extract catatonic phenomena was undertaken following PRISMA guidelines. Standardized catatonia rating scales were applied to selected cases retrospectively to ascertain whether diagnostic criteria for catatonia were met. A case known to the authors is also presented.

Two hundred twenty-one suitable full-text articles were identified. Following screening and application of inclusion criteria, 51 articles were selected plus seven more from their references, reporting on 119 subjects. All cases met Bush and Francis (BF) diagnostic criteria for catatonia, 92.5% Pediatric Catatonia Rating Scale (PCRS), 52.9% ICD-11, and 44.5% DSM-5. All patients presented with mutism. The next most frequent signs were immobility/stupor (77.3%), withdrawal (35.3%), mannerisms (23.5%), and excitement/agitation (18.5%). Most cases presented with stuporous catatonia (75.6%). Catatonia most frequently occurred following resection of medulloblastoma (64.7%). Preoperative hydrocephalus occurred in 89 patients (74.8%).

Catatonia was frequent in this PPCMS sample, with a predominant stuporous variant; it should be considered in patients with PPCMS and assessed with reliable and validated instruments for prompt diagnosis and management.