Neurosurgery Quarterly:

September 2009 - Volume 19 - Issue 3 - pp 207-211

doi: 10.1097/WNQ.0b013e3181a363d5

Case Reports

Chiari I and Syringomyelia Secondary to Intracranial Tumours

Bhatoe, Harjinder Singh MCh

Abstract

Chiari I malformation with syringomyelia is a commonly observed hindbrain anomaly.

Overcrowding of the posterior fossa with obstruction of the foramen magnum is seen as the basic underlying abnormality predisposing to its pathogenesis.

Rarely, Chiari I malformation with syringomyelia may be seen patients with posterior fossa tumors, and are relieved on excision of these tumors.

The anomaly is probably due to a preexistent small posterior fossa in these patients, which gets overcrowded due to the tumor.

That these anomalies revert to normal appearances after excision of the tumor are a confirmation of the concept of craniocephalic disproportion in their pathogenesis.

© 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.