Late onset of syringomyelia after traumatic brain injury: association with Chiari 1 malformation

Chiari malformation type I: related conditions

Chiari malformation type I (CMI) is a morphological diagnosis defined as the inferior displacement of the cerebellum through the foramen magnum. In parallel to this basic definition of CMI, there are diagnoses that co-exist with CMI in selected patients. In addition, there are specific constellations of clinical symptoms and signs reported in the literature that occur non-randomly in patients affected by CMI. There is no established system that categorizes these CMI-related conditions or even defines them as causes or consequences of CMI. Identifying the relationship between CMI and these associated disorders may allow greater understanding of CMI etiology and potentially inform CMI management.

Foramen magnum decompression for the treatment of Arnold Chiari malformation type I with associated syringomyelia in an elderly patient

STUDY DESIGN

Report of a rare case of an elderly patient with late onset of Arnold Chiari malformation type I with associated syringomyelia that was successfully treated with foramen magnum decompression.

OBJECTIVE

To report this rare case along with a literature review.

SETTING

Gifu, Japan.

METHODS

A 69-year-old woman with a 4-year history of dull pain in her right arm was referred to the clinic. After physical and radiographical examinations, she was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari malformation type I with associated syringomyelia. A foramen magnum decompression by the removal of the outer layer of the dura mater was performed.

RESULTS

At 2 years postoperatively, MRI revealed a decrease in the size of the syringomyelia. Her symptoms had also remarkably improved.

CONCLUSIONS

A rare case of symptomatic Arnold Chiari malformation type I with associated syringomyelia in an elderly woman was successfully treated with foramen magnum decompression by the removal of the outer layer of the dura mater.