Generalised spinal cord atrophy, Chiari-I malformation, and syringomyelia.
OBJECTIVE
To report the simultaneous occurrence of generalised spinal cord atrophy, Chiari-I malformation, and syringomyelia.


METHODS
Vienna, Austria.


METHODS
An 83-year old woman presented with predominantly lower limb and distal tetraparesis, diffuse wasting, spasticity of both lower limbs, contractures, and severe kyphoscoliosis. Radiographic examinations revealed generalised spinal cord atrophy, Chiari-I malformation, and syringomyelia between C5 and C7. The generalised spinal cord atrophy was assumed to be due to either secondary atrophy or spontaneous collapse of a formerly more extensive syringomyelia. All other causes for generalised spinal cord atrophy were excluded.


CONCLUSIONS
Generalised spinal cord atrophy in a patient with Chiari-I malformation and syringomyelia may be due to either secondary atrophy or spontaneous collapse of a formerly holocord syringomyelia. Myelography and MRI imaging of the spine are helpful in diagnosing this condition.
Finsterer
J
J
Second Neurological Department, Neurological Hospital Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria.
Lubec
D
D
Samec
P
P
D000368:Aged; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D001284:Atrophy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009192:Myelography; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology*; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed