Predictive Factors of Headache Resolution After Chiari Type 1 Malformation Surgery

Long-term outcomes following posterior fossa decompression in pediatric patients with Chiari malformation type 1, a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Posterior fossa decompression for Chiari malformation type I (Chiari 1) is effective and associated with a low risk of complication. However, up to 20% of patients may experience continued deficits or recurring symptoms after surgical intervention. For pediatric patients, there are no established tools to predict outcomes, and the risk factors for unfavorable postoperative outcomes are poorly understood. Hence, our aim was to investigate baseline data and early postoperative predictors of poor outcomes as determined by the Chicago Chiari outcome scale (CCOS).

METHODS

All pediatric patients (< 18 years) receiving a posterior fossa decompression for Chiari 1 between the years of 2005 and 2020 at the study center were eligible for inclusion. Patients with congenital anomalies were excluded.

RESULTS

Seventy-one pediatric patients with a median age of 9 years were included. Most patients (58%) were females. Chiari 1 was associated with syringomyelia (51%), scoliosis (37%), and hydrocephalus (7%). Perioperative complications occurred in 13 patients (18%) of which two required additional procedures under general anesthesia. On multivariable proportional odds logistic regression, motor deficits (OR: 0.09; CI95%: [0.01-0.62]; p = 0.015), and surgical complications (OR: 0.16; CI95%: [0.41-0.66]; p = 0.011) were significant predictors of worse outcomes. The presence of syringomyelia was identified as a predictor of better outcomes (OR: 4.42 CI95% [1.02-19.35]; p = 0.048). A persistent hydrocephalus during the early postoperative period after posterior fossa decompression was a strong predictor of worse long-term CCOS (OR: 0.026; CI95%: [0.002-0.328]; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Results from this study indicate that the existence of motor deficits and syringomyelia prior to surgery, and surgical complications and persistent hydrocephalus despite posterior fossa decompression, were useful predictors of long-term outcome.

Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines for Patients With Chiari Malformation: Symptoms

BACKGROUND

Chiari I malformation (CIM) is characterized by descent of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, potentially causing symptoms from compression or obstruction of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Diagnosis and treatment of CIM is varied, and guidelines produced through systematic review may be helpful for clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of the medical literature to answer specific questions on the diagnosis and treatment of CIM.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase were queried between 1946 and January 23, 2021, using the search strategies provided in Appendix I of the full guidelines.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 430 abstracts, of which 79 were selected for full-text review, 44 were then rejected for not meeting the inclusion criteria or for being off-topic, and 35 were included in this systematic review.

CONCLUSION

Four Grade C recommendations were made based on Class III evidence, and 1 question had insufficient evidence. The full guidelines can be seen online at https://www.cns.org/guidelines/browse-guidelines-detail/2-symptoms .

Prevalence and treatment of typical and atypical headaches in patients with Chiari I malformation: A meta-analysis and literature review

OBJECTIVE

A meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the incidence of typical and atypical headaches and outcomes following various treatments in patients with Chiari I malformation.

BACKGROUND

Headache is the most common symptom of Chiari malformation, which can be divided into typical and atypical subgroups to facilitate management. Much controversy surrounds the etiology, prevalence and optimal therapeutic approach for both types of headaches.

METHOD

We identified relevant studies published before 30 July 2022, with an electronic search of numerous literature databases. The results of this study were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

RESULT

A total of 1913 Chiari malformation type I CIM patients were identified, 78% of whom presented with headache, within this group cephalgia was typical in 48% and atypical in 29% of patients, and migraine was the most common type of atypical headache. The ratio of typical/atypical headaches with international classification of headache disorders diagnosis was 1.53, and without international classification of headache disorders diagnosis was 1.56, respectively. The pooled improvement rates of typical headaches following conservative treatment, extradural decompression and intradural decompression were 69%, 88%, and 92%, respectively. The corresponding improvement rates for atypical headaches were 70%, 57.47%, and 69%, respectively. The complication rate in extradural decompression group was significantly lower than in intradural decompression group (RR, 0.31; 95% CI: 0.06-1.59, I² = 50%, P = 0.14). Low reoperation rates were observed for refractory headaches in extradural decompression and intradural decompression groups (1%).

CONCLUSION

The International Classification of Headache Disorders can assist in screening atypical headaches. extradural decompression is preferred for typical headaches, while conservative therapy is optimal for atypical headaches. A definite correlation exists between atypical headaches and Chiari Malformation Type I patients with higher prevalence than in the general population. Importantly, decompression is effective in relieving headaches in this particular patient population.

Headache characteristics and postoperative course in Chiari I malformation

Background

Chiari I malformation typically presents with cough headache. However, migraine-like or tension-type-like headaches may also occur. There are limited publications on Chiari I malformation-associated headache semiologies and the effect of foramen magnum decompression on different headache types.

Methods

A retrospective analysis complemented by structured phone interviews was performed on 65 patients with Chiari I malformation, treated at our hospital between 2010 and 2021. Headache semiology (according to ICHD-3), frequency, intensity, and radiological characteristics were evaluated pre- and postoperatively.

Results

We included 65 patients. 38 patients were female and 27 male. Mean age was 43.9 ± 15.7 years. Headache was predominant in 41 patients (63.0%). Twenty-one patients had cough headache and 20 had atypical headache (12 migrainous, eight tension-type headache-like). Thirty-five patients with headache underwent surgery. Frequency, intensity, and analgesic use was significantly reduced in cough headache (p < 0.001). Atypical headaches improved less (p = 0.004 to 0.176). Exploratory analysis suggested that larger preoperative tonsillar descent correlated with larger postoperative headache intensity relief (p = 0.025).

Conclusion

Decompression was effective in Chiari I malformation-related cough headache. Atypical headache responded less well, and the causal relation with Chiari I malformation remains uncertain. For atypical headache, decompression should only be considered after failed appropriate preventive therapy and within an interdisciplinary approach involving a neurologist.

Are Two-Dimensional Morphometric Measures Reflective of Disease Severity in Adult Chiari I Malformation?

BACKGROUND

Two-dimensional (2D) morphometric measures have been previously used to diagnose Chiari I malformation (CMI) and distinguish patients from healthy subjects. There is, however, a paucity of literature regarding whether morphometric differences exist across the range of CMI disease severity. We evaluated whether 2D morphometrics demonstrate significant changes across standardized grades of CMI severity in adults.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study comprised 76 patients with symptomatic CMI with or without syringomyelia. Patients matched for age, sex, and body mass index were selected from each of the 3 severity grades of the Chiari Severity Index (CSI). The study used 17 2D craniocervical and posterior fossa morphometric variables that were previously found to differentiate patients with CMI from healthy subjects. The measurements were performed on midsagittal T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences using 2 custom in-house software tools, MorphPro and CerePro, and compared across CSI grades.

RESULTS

Analysis of variance showed that none of the 17 morphometric variables were significantly different across the 3 CSI grades (P > 0.003). Bayes factor 10 scores ranged from 0.11 to 0.82. Of variables, 9 had Bayes factor 10 scores between 0.10 and 0.30, while 8 had scores between 0.30 and 1. None of the Bayes factor 10 scores provided support for the alternative hypothesis that the morphometric measures differed across the CSI grades.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicated that 2D morphometrics are not reflective of CMI disease severity as indicated by the CSI grading system. The findings of our study support the need for further investigation into whether non-2D morphometric variables can be used as markers of disease severity.

Management of Chiari type I malformation: a retrospective analysis of a series of 91 children treated surgically

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis of Chiari I malformation, its symptomatology, and the results of its surgical management are still discussed. We report a pediatric series of CMI without associated skull base malformations or cerebellar growth anomalies operated between 2001 and 2018.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-one children out of 146 surgically treated cases have been included in the study. Age at surgery ranged from 5 months to 17 years clinical data, and complementary examinations leading to the surgical indication have been analyzed together with the surgical outcomes. The average follow-up duration was of 4 years. The occipito-cervical decompression with duraplasty without opening the arachnoid was the procedure of election. Three quarters of patients presented with headaches, 12% with cerebellar syndrome, 13% with vertigo, 26% with nausea or vomiting, 24% with sensorimotor deficits, 11% with cranial nerve deficits, and 29% with other symptoms. Eighteen percent of patients suffered from scoliosis, 47% had an associated syrinx and 16% a ventricular dilation.

RESULTS

After the treatment, the clinical symptomatology improved in about three-quarters of the patients: headache (69.4%), nausea or vomiting (66.7%), sensorimotor deficits (55.6%), and other symptoms (78.3%). Syringomyelic cavities diminished partially in size or disappeared in 58.3% of patients, remained stable in 29.2%, and worsened in 12.5%. Only one-third of children with preoperative scoliosis benefited from the surgical treatment. No clinical signs or symptoms were found to be reliable predictors of surgical success, neither the extent of the cerebellar tonsil descent.

CONCLUSION

Occipito-cervical decompression allows to improve the clinical condition in the majority of children with symptomatic CMI in the absence of associated cervico-spinal junction alterations, craniosynostosis, or cerebellar growth anomalies. No clinical signs or symptoms neither radiological criterion appear to be a specific finding for the surgical indication.

Chiari Malformation in Children

Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) is often found incidentally. However, patients with symptoms or signs referable to CM1 or an associated syrinx will likely benefit from surgical intervention. Patients who are not symptomatic from CM1 at presentation are unlikely to become symptomatic at follow-up.

Is there a morphometric cause of Chiari malformation type I? Analysis of existing literature

Although many etiologies have been proposed for Chiari malformation type I (CM-I), there currently is no singular known cause of CM-I pathogenesis. Advances in imaging have greatly progressed the study of CM-I. This study reviews the literature to determine if an anatomical cause for CM-I could be proposed from morphometric studies in adult CM-I patients. After conducting a literature search using relevant search terms, two authors screened abstracts for relevance. Full-length articles of primary morphometric studies published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Detailed information regarding methodology and symptomatology, craniocervical instability, syringomyelia, operative effects, and genetics were extracted. Forty-six studies met inclusion criteria, averaging 93.2 CM-I patients and 41.4 healthy controls in size. To obtain measurements, 40 studies utilized MRI and 10 utilized CT imaging, whereas 41 analyzed parameters within the posterior fossa and 20 analyzed parameters of the craniovertebral junction. The most commonly measured parameters included clivus length (n = 30), tonsillar position or descent (n = 28), McRae line length (n = 26), and supraocciput length (n = 26). While certain structural anomalies including reduced clivus length have been implicated in CM-I, there is a lack of consensus on how several other morphometric parameters may or may not contribute to its development. Heterogeneity in presentation with respect to the extent of tonsillar descent suggests alternate methods utilizing morphometric measurements that may help to identify CM-I patients and may benefit future research to better understand underlying pathophysiology and sequelae such as syringomyelia.

Migraine in Chiari 1 Malformation: a cross-sectional, single centre study

In Chiari 1 Malformation (CM1) the most frequent symptom is exertional headache, but other headache types have been reported, such as migraine. This cross-sectional study is aimed to examine the prevalence of migraine in a group of CM1 headache patients and to compare clinical-demographic characteristics between migraine and non-migraine patients. 427 adults were enrolled at the multidisciplinary Chiari Center in Torino. 230 headache patients were classified, based on radiological criteria. Frequencies (absolute/percentage values) were calculated in the whole sample for: migraine presence (with and without aura), gender, age, radiologic phenotypes and headache clinical characteristics. The association between CM1 diagnosis and headache characteristics (independent variables) and migraine diagnosis (dependent variable) was estimated by logistic regression models. Seventy-eight patients (67 females) out of 230 presenting headache had a migraine (34%), 44/78 (56%) with aura; in 58/78 (74%) migraine was comorbid with secondary headache attributable to CM1. Migraine prevalence in patients with isolated CM1 (52/120, 43.3%) was higher (p = 0.0016) than in all the other patients (26/110, 23.6%). Although migraine was prevalent in females (86%; 6:1 female:male ratio), age classes and gender were not risk factors for migraine at multivariate analysis, while migraine was associated with isolated CM1 phenotype (OR = 2.6). This study shows a high prevalence of migraine in CM1 patients and a significant association between migraine and isolated CM1. In patients with radiological evidence of CM1, particularly in the absence of neurological signs, a careful headache clinical characterization, according to the International Headache Society criteria, may be advised.

External validation of current prediction systems of improvement after decompression surgery in Chiari malformation type I patients: can we do better?

OBJECTIVE

The Chiari Severity Index (CSI) and points-based algorithm of Thakar et al. are two prognostic tools that have been developed to predict the likelihood of improvement after suboccipital decompression in adult patients with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I). This study aimed to externally validate and critically evaluate these algorithms in the interest of guiding the development of improved prediction systems.

METHODS

A consecutive cohort of CM-I patients undergoing suboccipital decompression between September 2006 and September 2018 were included. The CSI and Thakar point score were computed for all patients, and associations with improvement were analyzed. The ability of both prediction systems to predict improvement as measured by different Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS) cutoffs was assessed using receiver operating curve analysis. Post hoc correlations between the algorithms and different CCOS subcomponents were also assessed.

RESULTS

The surgical cohort was composed of 149 adult CM-I patients, of whom 39 (26%) had a syrinx. Most patients experienced improvement after surgery (80% CCOS ≥ 13; 96% CCOS ≥ 11). The proportion of patients improving decreased with increasing CSI, but the results were not statistically significant (p = 0.246). No statistically significant difference in the mean Thakar point score was identified between improved and nonimproved patients using both CCOS cutoffs (p = 0.246 for a cutoff of 13 and p = 0.480 for a cutoff of 11). The CSI had a poor ability in identifying improved patients at a CCOS cutoff of 13 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.582) and 11 (AUC 0.646). The Thakar point score similarly had poor discrimination at a cutoff of 13 (AUC 0.467) and 11 (AUC 0.646). Neither algorithm had significant correlation with any of the CCOS subcomponents except for CSI and nonpain symptom improvement (coefficient = -0.273, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Previously published algorithms failed to provide prediction value with regard to clinically meaningful improvement following suboccipital decompression in adult CM-I patients. Future models and practical scoring systems are still required to improve the decision-making process.

Occipital-Cervical Fusion and Ventral Decompression in the Surgical Management of Chiari-1 Malformation and Syringomyelia: Analysis of Data From the Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium

BACKGROUND

Occipital-cervical fusion (OCF) and ventral decompression (VD) may be used in the treatment of pediatric Chiari-1 malformation (CM-1) with syringomyelia (SM) as adjuncts to posterior fossa decompression (PFD) for complex craniovertebral junction pathology.

OBJECTIVE

To examine factors influencing the use of OCF and OCF/VD in a multicenter cohort of pediatric CM-1 and SM subjects treated with PFD.

METHODS

The Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium registry was used to examine 637 subjects with cerebellar tonsillar ectopia ≥ 5 mm, syrinx diameter ≥ 3 mm, and at least 1 yr of follow-up after their index PFD. Comparisons were made between subjects who received PFD alone and those with PFD + OCF or PFD + OCF/VD.

RESULTS

All 637 patients underwent PFD, 505 (79.2%) with and 132 (20.8%) without duraplasty. A total of 12 subjects went on to have OCF at some point in their management (PFD + OCF), whereas 4 had OCF and VD (PFD + OCF/VD). Of those with complete data, a history of platybasia (3/10, P = .011), Klippel-Feil (2/10, P = .015), and basilar invagination (3/12, P < .001) were increased within the OCF group, whereas only basilar invagination (1/4, P < .001) was increased in the OCF/VD group. Clivo-axial angle (CXA) was significantly lower for both OCF (128.8 ± 15.3°, P = .008) and OCF/VD (115.0 ± 11.6°, P = .025) groups when compared to PFD-only group (145.3 ± 12.7°). pB-C2 did not differ among groups.

CONCLUSION

Although PFD alone is adequate for treating the vast majority of CM-1/SM patients, OCF or OCF/VD may be occasionally utilized. Cranial base and spine pathologies and CXA may provide insight into the need for OCF and/or OCF/VD.

The 270° Circumferential Microsurgical Decompression of the Foramen Magnum in Adult Chiari Malformation Type I: Single Surgeon Series of 130 Patients with Syringomyelia, Neurologic, and Headache Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) is a craniocervical junction disorder associated with descent of the cerebellar tonsils >5 mm. The prevalence of CM-I is common, including 0.5%-3.5% in the general population, 0.56%-0.77% on magnetic resonance imaging, and 0.62% in anatomic dissection studies. We sought to measure our surgical outcomes related to resolution/improvement of headaches, neurologic outcomes, and syringomyelia compared with reported adult CM-I studies from 2000-2019.

METHODS

From December 2003 to June 2018, the first author (K.I.A.) performed 270° circumferential decompression on adult (>18 years) patients with CM-I. At admission and follow-up, all parameters were numerically evaluated; headaches were self-reported on the visual analog scale, neurologic condition was evaluated using Karnofsky Performance Status and European Myelopathy Score, and syrinx width (if present) was measured on magnetic resonance imaging by grades I-IV. All parameters were analyzed, compared, and statistically tested. We compared results with our previously reported and updated systematic review of operative adult CM-I studies (studies from 2000 to 2019).

RESULTS

In our series, 118/121 (98%) experienced headache improvements and 100% experienced neurologic improvements. Complete syrinx resolution was experienced by 35/43 (81%); 8 (19%) showed significant improvement. In data from reported studies (2000-2019), only 79% experienced headache resolution, 77% improvement of neurologic status, and 74% resolution/improvement of syrinx (mean).

CONCLUSIONS

Our modified 270° circumferential microsurgical foramen magnum decompression for adult CM-I appears to be beneficial in improvement of outcomes, namely in resolution of the syrinx, neurologic symptoms, and headaches. We also confirm the association of body mass index with CM-I. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Emergency Department Visits Following Suboccipital Decompression for Adult Chiari Malformation Type I

BACKGROUND

Postoperative emergency department (ED) visits following suboccipital decompression in Chiari malformation type I (CM-1) patients are not well described. We sought to evaluate the magnitude, etiology, and significance of postoperative ED service utilization in adult CM-1 patients at a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database of CM-1 patients seen at our institution between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2019 was used. ED visits occurring within 30 days after surgery were tracked for postoperative patients, while comparing clinical, imaging, and operative characteristics between patients with and without an ED visit. Clinical improvement at last follow-up was also compared between both groups of patients in a univariable and multivariable analysis using the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS).

RESULTS

In 175 surgically treated patients, 44 (25%) visited an ED in the 1-month period after surgery. The most common reason for seeking care was isolated headache (41%), and concentration disturbance at presentation was the only factor significantly associated with a postoperative ED visit (P = 0.023). The occurrence of a postoperative ED visit was independently associated with a lower chance of clinical improvement at last follow-up (adjusted odds ratio of CCOS ≥13 = 0.35, P = 0.021; adjusted odds ratio of CCOS ≥14 = 0.38, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Adult CM-1 patients undergoing surgery at a tertiary referral center have an elevated rate of postoperative ED visits, which are mostly due to pain-related complaints. Such visits are hard to predict but are associated with worse long-term clinical outcome. Interventions that decrease the magnitude of postoperative ED service utilization are warranted.

The impact of depression on surgical outcome in Chiari malformation type I: an assessment based on the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale

OBJECTIVE

The effect of depression on outcomes in Chiari malformation type I (CM-1) is unclear. The authors sought to determine whether depression affects outcome in a surgical cohort of CM-1 patients by using a validated outcome assessment tool, the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS).

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 149 adult CM-1 patients undergoing suboccipital decompression with duraplasty and cranioplasty. Baseline presentation characteristics and composite as well as subcomponent CCOS scores at last follow-up were compared between depressed and nondepressed patients. Outcome comparisons included both a univariable analysis and a logistic regression model adjusting for several covariates.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression in the study cohort was 28% (41/149). Baseline demographic and imaging characteristics were similar between the 2 patient groups. Dizziness (p = 0.019) and imbalance (p = 0.015) were significantly more common among depressed patients, but clinical symptoms and severity were otherwise comparable. On univariable analysis, depressed patients were significantly less likely to experience improvement in pain symptoms (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.61, p = 0.003) and functionality (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03-0.99, p = 0.049). No significant difference was identified in complications, nonpain symptom improvement, or overall composite CCOS improvement. Similar results were obtained on multivariable analysis controlling for several covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is independently associated with poor surgical outcome in adult CM-1 patients, namely when evaluating improvement in pain symptoms and functionality. Optimizing the management of depression preoperatively and ensuring follow-up for psychiatric comorbidity in the postoperative period may possibly lead to improved outcomes.

Family History in Chiari Malformation Type I: Presentation and Outcome

BACKGROUND

Some patients with Chiari malformation type I (CM-1) present with a positive family history of CM-1, the significance of which remains unknown. We aimed to study whether family history affects the clinical presentation characteristics and surgical outcome of adult patients with CM-1.

METHODS

A database of adult patients with CM-1 presenting between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2018 was used. Presenting characteristics were compared between patients with and without a family history (first, second, or third degree) of CM-1. Among surgically treated patients, perioperative and long-term outcomes, with favorable outcome defined as a Chiari Outcome Scale score ≥14, were compared between patients with and without CM-1 family history. All patients completed at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up.

RESULTS

The database consisted of 233 adult patients with CM-1, 14 of whom (6%) had a positive family history. Presenting characteristics were comparable between patients with and without a positive family history. A total of 150 patients underwent suboccipital decompression, 12 of whom (8%) had a positive family history. After a mean follow-up of 1.9 years, patients with a family history of CM-1 were significantly less likely to achieve a favorable outcome (odds ratio, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.78; P = 0.019) while controlling for several covariates. Post hoc analysis showed that the difference was most significant when looking at pain symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Presentation characteristics are comparable between patients with and without a family history of CM-1. Patients with a positive family history may be less likely to respond favorably to suboccipital decompression.

The SHORE Score: A Novel Predictive Tool for Improvement After Decompression Surgery in Adult Chiari Malformation Type I

BACKGROUND

A practical scoring system predicting significant improvement after surgical decompression in adult Chiari malformation type I (CM-1) based on validated outcome measures is lacking. We aimed to develop a simple score and improvement calculator to facilitate the decision making process in symptomatic CM-1 patients.

METHODS

We evaluated adult CM-1 patients who presented to our institution between September 2006 and September 2018 and underwent surgical decompression. Previously treated patients were excluded. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to derive an optimal model predictive of improvement on last follow-up as measured by the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale. A score was derived using the beta coefficients of the model, and predictive performance was assessed using receiver operating curves with bootstrap validation. Finally, a web-based improvement calculator was deployed.

RESULTS

The surgical cohort consisted of 149 adult CM-1 patients, of which 100 (67%) experienced significant clinical improvement (Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale ≥14) after a mean follow-up of 1.9 years. The final model predictive of significant clinical improvement consisted of headache with Valsalva (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39; P = 0.030), nonwhite race (OR = 2.57; P = 0.041), absence of visual symptoms (OR = 2.59; P = 0.015), syrinx absence (OR = 1.59; P = 0.315), and increased odontoid retroflexion (OR = 2.82; P = 0.009). The score was termed SHORE, which summarizes the model's predictive factors, each assigned 1 point. The model had an area under the curve of 0.754 with an optimism-correct value of 0.721. A calculator was deployed under: https://jhuspine2.shinyapps.io/SHORE_score/.

CONCLUSIONS

The score and calculator can serve as supplements to clinical decision making by providing realistic and personalized expectations of postoperative outcome.

Clinical diagnosis-part I: what is really caused by Chiari I

PURPOSE

Chiari malformation is a group of congenital malformations involving the brainstem, cerebellum, and upper spinal cord, frequently identified in both young adults and in children. Chiari I malformation (CM1), classically defined as a caudal displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum into the spinal cord, is the most common clinical type. A syringomyelia can be associated at the time of the diagnosis or appear secondarily and manifest with medullary symptoms. The aim of this paper is to update the knowledge on clinical manifestations specifically related to Chiari I malformation with or without syringomyelia in the pediatric population.

METHODS

Current literature with focus on relevant clinical pediatric issues is reviewed and discussed, comparing with those related to adults; we include the results of a 10-year single-center experience on 600 CM1 patients.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Herniation of the cerebellar tonsils may lead to significant clinical symptoms, including neck and cervical pain, short-lasting occipital "cough" headache, dizziness, and gait impairment; in children younger than 3 years, oropharyngeal symptoms are prevalent (sleep apnea, feeding problems) whereas in those older than 3 years, a higher incidence of cough headache and scoliosis is reported. CM1 clinical features, both in children and in adults, have in common the presence of anatomical deformities of the brainstem and cerebellum. Clinical myelopathy (sensory/autonomic disorders, motor weakness) can result from direct compression of the cervical spinal cord by the herniated cerebellar tonsils or can be due to the presence of a syrinx, reported in association with Chiari I between 35 and 75% of pediatric patients. Similarly, in our series (440 females, 160 males, 98% > 18 years), syringomyelia associated with Chiari I was ranging from 40 to 60% (respectively in asymptomatic and symptomatic groups); headache was reported in 65%. Sensory disturbances (48%), cranial nerve deficits (45%), motor weakness (32%), and autonomic disorders (35%) were the most frequent neurological signs in our cohort. In Chiari I malformation, cervical pain and occipital cough headache are the most characteristic presenting symptoms, both in old children and in adults; however, headache is often multifactorial, and CM1 patients can report a wide variety of non-specific symptoms and signs. Clinical diagnostic CM1 criteria, shared at the national and international level, are recommended with the aim to avoid consequent controversies on diagnosis and on surgical decision making.

Predictive value of posterior cranial fossa morphology in the decompression of Chiari malformation type I: A retrospective observational study

Posterior fossa decompression (PFD) is the standard procedure for the treatment of Chiari malformation type I (CMI). Although most patients have satisfactory surgical outcomes, some show no improvement or even a worsening of symptoms. Patient selection is thought to account for these different surgical outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the predictive value of the preoperative posterior cranial fossa (PCF) morphology on the efficacy of PFD.Data from 39 CMI patients with CMI-related symptoms who underwent occipital foramen enlargement + C-1 laminectomy + enlarged duraplasty were retrospectively collected from January 2011 to May 2018. The patients were divided into improved and unimproved groups according to the modified Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale. Demographic information and clinical history, including preoperative comorbidities and clinical manifestations, were recorded for the 2 groups and compared. PCF morphology was assessed based on 13 linear, 8 angular, 4 areal parameters and 4 ratios related to these liner and areal parameters. The data were then analyzed statistically.Of the 39 patients with CMI, 24 showed improvement after PFD (61.5%), whereas the remaining 15 patients showed no improvement (38.5%). The preoperative symptoms lasted 1 to 240 months, with a median of 24 months. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 82 months, with a median of 27 months. The improved and unimproved groups differed significantly with regard to upper limb numbness (OR = 10, P = .02) and upper limb weakness (OR = 4.86, P = .02). The 2 groups did not differ significantly with regard to any morphological parameters such as tonsillar descent, syrinx size.Preoperative upper limb numbness and upper limb weakness are unfavorable factors that influence the outcome of PFD in patients with CMI. However, the morphology of PCF cannot predict the response to PFD in patients with CMI.

Chiari Headache

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chiari malformations (CM) are a group of neuroanatomical pathologies resulting from overcrowding of the hindbrain. The purpose of this review is to characterize Chiari headache (CH) and describe diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research has helped solidify the criteria for diagnosis of CH. Imaging studies have expanded our understanding of the morphological features producing them and helped to better characterize the pathophysiology. Additionally, identifying this unusual headache disorder accurately has helped with specific treatment options. CH is a disabling condition which can effect multiple domains of a patient's life. The diagnostic criteria has improved, and we now have a better understanding of the pathophysiology and imaging findings associated with CH. Future research is warranted to find new treatment options for individuals suffering from this condition.