Impact of body mass index on cerebellar tonsil position in healthy subjects and patients with Chiari malformation

2015 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 226-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon W. Smith ◽  
Jennifer Strahle ◽  
Erick Kazarian ◽  
Karin M. Muraszko ◽  
Hugh J. L. Garton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Chiari Malformation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Cerebellar Tonsil ◽  
Posterior Fossa Decompression ◽  
Type I ◽  
Chiari Malformation Type I

OBJECT It is unclear if there is a relationship between Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) and body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between BMI and cerebellar tonsil position in a random sample of people. METHODS Cerebellar tonsil position in 2400 subjects from a cohort of patients undergoing MRI was measured. Three hundred patients were randomly selected from each of 8 age groups (from 0 to 80 years). A subject was then excluded if he or she had a posterior fossa mass or previous posterior fossa decompression or if height and weight information within 1 year of MRI was not recorded in the electronic medical record. RESULTS There were 1310 subjects (54.6%) with BMI records from within 1 year of the measured scan. Of these subjects, 534 (40.8%) were male and 776 (59.2%) were female. The average BMI of the group was 26.4 kg/m2, and the average tonsil position was 0.87 mm above the level of the foramen magnum. There were 46 subjects (3.5%) with a tonsil position ≥ 5 mm below the level of the foramen magnum. In the group as a whole, there was no correlation (R2 = 0.004) between BMI and cerebellar tonsil position. CONCLUSIONS In this examination of 1310 subjects undergoing MRI for any reason, there was no relationship between BMI and the level of the cerebellar tonsils or the diagnosis of CM-I on imaging.

scholarly journals Improvement of Hydrocephalus in Patients with Chiari Malformation After Posterior Fossa Decompression

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-73
Author(s):  
Lindolfo Carlos Heringer ◽  
Matheus Fernandes De Oliveira ◽  
Ulysses Oliveira De Sousa ◽  
Wanderley Cerqueira De Lima ◽  
Ricardo Vieira Botelho
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Chiari Malformation ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Posterior Fossa Decompression ◽  
Type I ◽  
Chiari Malformation Type I ◽  
Cisterna Magna ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Small Posterior Fossa

Introduction. The association between hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation (CM) has not been described frequently. Ventricular dilation affects 7% to 10% of patients with CM, but the ideal choice of surgical treatment is controversial. Wereport a case of a patient with Chiari malformation and hydrocephalus with improvement in clinical symptoms and ventricular dilatation. Case Description. A 19-year-old male complaining of frontal headache when coughing, laughing and during valsalva maneuvers, associated with dizziness for 2 months. Magnetic resonance (MR) showed hydrocephalus and small posterior fossa with overcrowding of contents, characterizing Chiari malformation type I, with cerebellar tonsils protruding through magnum foramen. Patient underwent surgery with posterior fossa decompression in a semi-sitting position and removal of the arc C1.After 3 months of follow-up, headache disappeared becoming asymptomatic. Control MR showed improvement of hydrocephalus with restoration of the cisterna magna and CSF flow. Discussion. Hydrocephalus has been related to CM for a long time. In our case, we performed treatment with intradural and intra-arachnoidal approach with bilateral tonsillectomy without placing ventricular shunt. The cisterna magna was “recreated”. There was improvement of hydrocephalus with decreased Evans ratio index and symptoms disappearance. Although there is no other studies addressing such matter, in this case, the improvement suggests that the CSF compression at the foramen magnum was the cause of associated hydrocephalus with Chiari malformation. 

scholarly journals Morphometric and volumetric comparison of 102 children with symptomatic and asymptomatic Chiari malformation Type I

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siri Sahib S. Khalsa ◽  
Ndi Geh ◽  
Bryn A. Martin ◽  
Philip A. Allen ◽  
Jennifer Strahle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Chiari Malformation ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Incidental Finding ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Cerebellar Tonsil ◽  
Type I ◽  
Chiari Malformation Type I ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Volumetric Measurements

OBJECTIVEChiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is typically defined on imaging by a cerebellar tonsil position ≥ 5 mm below the foramen magnum. Low cerebellar tonsil position is a frequent incidental finding on brain or cervical spine imaging, even in asymptomatic individuals. Nonspecific symptoms (e.g., headache and neck pain) are common in those with low tonsil position as well as in those with normal tonsil position, leading to uncertainty regarding appropriate management for many patients with low tonsil position and nonspecific symptoms. Because cerebellar tonsil position is not strictly correlated with the presence of typical CM-I symptoms, the authors sought to determine if other 2D morphometric or 3D volumetric measurements on MRI could distinguish between patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic CM-I.METHODSThe authors retrospectively analyzed records of 102 pediatric patients whose records were in the University of Michigan clinical CM-I database. All patients in this database had cerebellar tonsil position ≥ 5 mm below the foramen magnum. Fifty-one symptomatic and 51 asymptomatic patients were matched for age at diagnosis, sex, tonsil position, and tonsil morphology. National Institutes of Health ImageJ software was used to obtain six 2D anatomical MRI measurements, and a semiautomated segmentation tool was used to obtain four 3D volumetric measurements of the posterior fossa and CSF subvolumes on MRI.RESULTSNo significant differences were observed between patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic CM-I related to tentorium length (50.3 vs 51.0 mm; p = 0.537), supraoccipital length (39.4 vs 42.6 mm; p = 0.055), clivus-tentorium distance (52.0 vs 52.1 mm; p = 0.964), clivus-torcula distance (81.5 vs 83.3 mm; p = 0.257), total posterior fossa volume (PFV; 183.4 vs 190.6 ml; p = 0.250), caudal PFV (152.5 vs 159.8 ml; p = 0.256), fourth ventricle volume to caudal PFV ratio (0.0140 vs 0.0136; p = 0.649), or CSF volume to caudal PFV ratio (0.071 vs 0.061; p = 0.138).CONCLUSIONSNo clinically useful 2D or 3D measurements were identified that could reliably distinguish pediatric patients with symptoms attributable to CM-I from those with asymptomatic CM-I.

313 Morphometric and Volumetric Comparison of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Chiari Malformation Type I

Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (CN_suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 267-267
Author(s):  
Siri Sahib S Khalsa ◽  
Ndi Geh ◽  
Bryn A Martin ◽  
Philip A Allen ◽  
Jennifer Strahle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Chiari Malformation ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Cerebellar Tonsil ◽  
Type I ◽  
Chiari Malformation Type I ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Volumetric Measurements

Abstract INTRODUCTION Chiari malformation type I (CMI) is typically defined by a cerebellar tonsil position 5 mm or more below foramen magnum. Low cerebellar tonsil position is a frequent incidental finding, even in asymptomatic individuals. Non-specific symptoms such as headache and neck pain are common in those with low tonsil position and in those with normal tonsil position, leading to uncertainty regarding appropriate management for many patients with low tonsil position and non-specific symptoms. Since cerebellar tonsil position is not strictly correlated with typical CMI symptoms, we sought to determine if other 2D morphometric or 3D volumetric measurements on MRI could distinguish asymptomatic from symptomatic CMI patients. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 102 pediatric patients from the University of Michigan clinical CMI database. All patients in this database have cerebellar tonsil position at least 5 mm below foramen magnum. Fifty-one symptomatic and 51 asymptomatic patients were matched for age at diagnosis, sex, tonsil position, and tonsil morphology. Five 2D anatomic MRI measurements and four 3D volumetric measurements of posterior fossa and CSF sub-volumes on MRI were measured. RESULTS >There were no significant differences observed between symptomatic and asymptomatic CMI patients related to basilar impression (−5.9 mm vs. −7.0 mm; P = 0.026), tentorium length (50.3 mm vs. 51.0 mm; P = 0.537), supraoccipital length (39.4 mm vs. 42.6 mm; P = 0.055), clivus-tentorium distance (52.0 mm vs. 52.1 mm; P = 0.964), clivus-torcula distance (81.5 mm vs. 83.3 mm; P = 0.257), total posterior fossa volume (PFV; 183.4 mL vs. 190.6 mL; P = 0.250), caudal PFV (152.5 mL vs. 159.8 mL; P = 0.256), fourth ventricle volume to caudal PFV ratio (0.0140 vs. 0.0136; P = 0.649), or CSF volume to caudal PFV ratio (0.071 vs. 0.061; P = 0.138). CONCLUSION We did not identify any 2D or 3D measurements that could reliably distinguish pediatric patients with symptoms attributable to CMI from those with asymptomatic CMI.

Pediatric Chiari malformation Type 0: a 12-year institutional experience

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua J. Chern ◽  
Amber J. Gordon ◽  
Martin M. Mortazavi ◽  
R. Shane Tubbs ◽  
W. Jerry Oakes
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Chiari Malformation ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Posterior Fossa Decompression ◽  
Type I ◽  
Csf Flow ◽  
Chiari Malformation Type I ◽  
Institutional Experience ◽  
Physical Barriers ◽  
Small Cohort

Object In 1998 the authors identified 5 patients with syringomyelia and no evidence of Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I). Magnetic resonance imaging of the entire neuraxis ruled out other causes of a syrinx. Ultimately, abnormal CSF flow at the foramen magnum was the suspected cause. The label “Chiari 0” was used to categorize these unique cases with no tonsillar ectopia. All of the patients underwent posterior fossa decompression and duraplasty identical to the technique used to treat patients with CM-I. Significant syrinx and symptom resolution occurred in these patients. Herein, the authors report on a follow-up study of patients with CM-0 who were derived from over 400 operative cases of pediatric CM-I decompression. Methods The authors present their 12-year experience with this group of patients. Results Fifteen patients (3.7%) were identified. At surgery, many were found to have physical barriers to CSF flow near the foramen magnum. In most of them, the syringomyelia was greatly diminished postoperatively. Conclusions The authors stress that this subgroup represents a very small cohort among patients with Chiari malformations. They emphasize that careful patient selection is critical when diagnosing CM-0. Without an obvious CM-I, other etiologies of a spinal syrinx must be conclusively ruled out. Only then can one reasonably expect to ameliorate the clinical course of these patients via posterior fossa decompression.

scholarly journals Syringobulbia in Patients with Chiari Malformation Type I: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Shen ◽  
Jie Shen ◽  
Kaiyuan Huang ◽  
Yixin Wu ◽  
Jianwei Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Chiari Malformation ◽  
Initial Therapy ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Posterior Fossa Decompression ◽  
Type I ◽  
Limb Weakness ◽  
Chiari Malformation Type I

This study aimed to summarize the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of Chiari malformation type I- (CM-1-) associated syringobulbia. We performed a literature review of CM-1-associated syringobulbia in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. Our concerns were the clinical features, radiologic presentations, treatment therapies, and prognoses of CM-1-associated syringobulbia. This review identified 23 articles with 53 cases. Symptoms included headache, neck pain, cranial nerve palsy, limb weakness/dysesthesia, Horner syndrome, ataxia, and respiratory disorders. The most frequently involved area was the medulla. Most of the patients also had syringomyelia. Surgical procedures performed included posterior fossa decompression, foramen magnum decompression, cervical laminectomy, duraplasty, and syringobulbic cavity shunt. Most patients experienced symptom alleviation or resolution postoperatively. A syringobulbic cavity shunt provided good results in refractory cases. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of syringobulbia in CM-1 patients, especially those with symptoms of sudden-onset brain-stem involvement. The diagnosis relies on the disorder’s specific symptomatology and magnetic resonance imaging. Our review suggests that the initial therapy should be posterior fossa decomposition with or without duraplasty. In refractory cases, additional syringobulbic cavity shunt is the preferred option.

scholarly journals Syrinx resolution after posterior fossa decompression in patients with scoliosis secondary to Chiari malformation type I

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1143-1150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Wu ◽  
Zezhang Zhu ◽  
Jian Jiang ◽  
Xin Zheng ◽  
Xu Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Chiari Malformation ◽  
Posterior Fossa Decompression ◽  
Type I ◽  
Chiari Malformation Type I

Comparison of posterior fossa decompression with and without duraplasty for the surgical treatment of Chiari malformation Type I in pediatric patients: a meta-analysis

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan R. Durham ◽  
Kristina Fjeld-Olenec
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Chiari Malformation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Posterior Fossa Decompression ◽  
Type I ◽  
Chiari Malformation Type I ◽  
Patient Age

Object Surgery for Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is one of the most common neurosurgical procedures performed in children, although there is clearly no consensus among practitioners about which surgical method is preferred. The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the outcome of posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty (PFDD) and posterior fossa decompression without duraplasty (PFD) for the treatment of CM-I in children. Methods The authors searched Medline–Ovid, The Cochrane Library, and the conference proceedings of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (2000–2007) for studies meeting the following inclusion criteria: 1) surgical treatment of CM-I; 2) surgical techniques of PFD and PFDD being reported in a single cohort; and 3) patient age < 18 years. Results Five retrospective and 2 prospective cohort studies involving a total of 582 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Of the 582 patients, 316 were treated with PFDD and 266 were treated with PFD alone. Patient age ranged from 6 months to 18 years. Patients undergoing PFDD had a significantly lower reoperation rate (2.1 vs 12.6%, risk ratio [RR] 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08–0.69) and a higher rate of cerebrospinal fluid–related complications (18.5 vs 1.8%, RR 7.64, 95% CI 2.53–23.09) than those undergoing PFD. No significant differences in either clinical improvement (78.6 vs 64.6%, RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.95–1.59) or syringomyelia decrease (87.0 vs 56.3%, RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.91–2.25) were noted between PFDD and PFD. Conclusions Posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty is associated with a lower risk of reoperation than PFD but a greater risk for cerebrospinal fluid–related complications. There was no significant difference between the 2 operative techniques with respect to clinical improvement or decrease in syringomyelia.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document