Delayed resolution of Chiari I-associated hydromyelia after posterior fossa decompression: case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
The expected time interval for resolution of hydromyelia after Chiari I decompression is lacking in the literature. This case report highlights one instance of delayed resolution of Chiari-induced hydromyelia.


METHODS
We report an adolescent girl with a Chiari I malformation and hydromyelia.


METHODS
A suboccipital craniectomy and C1 laminectomy with intradural exploration and duraplasty were performed. Serial imaging at 1 and 2 years after posterior cranial fossa decompression with duraplasty demonstrated no change in the size of the hydromyelia. At 3 years after surgery and before reoperation for continued hydromyelia, repeat magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated significant diminution of the fluid cavity. If this hydromyelia did resolve as a result of surgery, the interval for radiological observation clearly needs to be reconsidered.


CONCLUSIONS
Unfortunately, this is an area in which the literature is lacking. With this case as a nidus, studies are now necessary to determine the range of time necessary for Chiari I malformation-related hydromyelia to resolve.
Doughty
Kyle E
KE
Division of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Tubbs
R Shane
RS
Webb
Daniel
D
Oakes
W Jerry
WJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000150:complications*; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003399:Craniotomy; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012086:Reoperation; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome