Chiari malformation is the most common structural defect of the posterior fossa and cerebellum, consisting of displacements of hindbrain inclination through the foramen magnum, often associated with syringomyelia. In the most common type I of this disease, only the cerebellar tonsils are descended. Chiari type I malformation may remain asymptomatic in early childhood, however a number of unspecific symptoms, such as: neck pains and headaches, vertigos, balance and sight disorders, may strengthen with age. Because of unspecificity and various exacerbation of symptoms the disease is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. We describe a case of a 3.5-year old boy with whom his mother visited a pediatrician because of a chronic cough. During the examination mother of the patient informed that all infections start with vomiting and the patient is not able to stand up from horizontal position without turning first to the side and then to the abdomen. During the examination, a large head circumference was noticed (56 cm, > 97 percentile). MRI showed elongated cerebellar tonsils descended below the foramen magnum (left 14 mm, right 11 mm). Chiari malformation type I with associated syringomyelia was diagnosed. The patient was reffered to neurosurgery consultation.
Surgical Treatment of Syringomyelia associated with Chiari Type I Malformation : Foramen Magnum Decompression vs Syrinx-subarachnoid Shunt(Chiari malformation, Syringomyelia)
