Chiari I malformations and hydromyelia--complications.
The Chiari I malformation is associated with a hydromyelic cavity in 55-75% of patients. In the author's series (1977-1991), hydromelia occurred in 111 of 131 patients (85%). There were 35 children. Posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty and fourth ventricle to subarachnoid shunt was made in all patients with Chiari I malformation with hydromyelia. The obex connection to the cervical cord central canal was closed with muscle, if widely patent. Eighty-five percent showed sustained objective improvement. The precautions taken to avoid complications and a literature review are tabulated for easy reference.
Menezes
A H
AH
Division of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City.
D000328:Adult; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000601:surgery*