Spontaneous Reduction of Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia After Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2021 Jun 11;11(2). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.20.00779.

Abstract

Case: A 22-year-old skeletally mature man with scoliosis accompanied by syringomyelia associated with Chiari malformation type 1 was presented to our hospital. Because the maximal syrinx/cord ratio was small, and he had no neurological deficit, he underwent corrective surgery without the treatment of the syringomyelia.

Conclusion: The scoliosis was corrected without any neurological complications. Magnetic resonance imaging taken 8 days after the surgery showed the reduction of the size of the syringomyelia. The syringomyelia almost disappeared at the 8-year follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation* / complications
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Scoliosis* / complications
  • Scoliosis* / surgery
  • Spinal Fusion* / adverse effects
  • Syringomyelia* / complications
  • Syringomyelia* / surgery
  • Young Adult