The pediatric Chiari I malformation: a review.
BACKGROUND
Both the diagnosis and treatment regimens for the Chiari I malformation (CIM) are varied and controversial. The present paper analyzes the literature regarding this form of hindbrain herniation in regard to definition, anatomy, pathobiology, symptoms, findings, treatment, and outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Appropriate literature germane to the CIM is reviewed and discussed. There is variation in the reported anatomy, outcome, and treatment for children with CIM. Based on the literature, most patients have preoperative symptoms or findings (e.g., syringomyelia) improve no matter what surgical technique is utilized. However, standardized treatment paradigms based on randomized controlled studies are still necessary to elucidate the optimal selection and treatment criteria.
Tubbs
R Shane
RS
Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7th Avenue South ACC 400, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. rstubbs@uab.edu
Lyerly
Michael J
MJ
Loukas
Marios
M
Shoja
Mohammadali M
MM
Oakes
W Jerry
WJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000002:abnormalities*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004677:Encephalocele / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome