Neurological, Neuropsychological, and Social Outcomes in Pediatric Patients Diagnosed With Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Background: Cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) is a postsurgical complication following posterior fossa tumor resection. This review explores long-term neurological, neuropsychological, and social outcomes of children with CMS.

Methods: A search was performed across multiple databases, focusing on terms related to neoplasms, postoperative complications, and mutism. Selected studies included individuals less than 18 years of age who developed CMS following posterior fossa tumor removal, and developed at least one neurological, neuropsychological, or social outcome.

Results: Among 2514 publications, 34 studies were included, describing 631 patients aged 1-25.7 years (median = 12 patients; range: 5-107 patients). The prevalence of CMS ranged from 3.7% to 63%, with a median follow-up of 26.5 months (ranging from 2 months to 14.2 years). Ataxia was the most common neurologic outcome reported in 17 studies. Five of nine studies assessing cognitive outcomes noted significantly lower full-scale intelligence quotient/general intellectual ability scores among CMS patients. Emotional changes were observed in 40%-100% of participants across 23 studies.

Conclusions: CMS survivors face ongoing neurological, neuropsychological, and behavioral challenges, impacting their quality of life and highlighting the need for advancements in surgical techniques and rehabilitation interventions.