BACKGROUND: Chiari malformation with syringomyelia is conventionally managed with foramen magnum decompression and duroplasty. In presence of hydrocephalus, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion has been the initial preferred mode of treatment. METHODS: Two patients of Chiari I malformation with syringomyelia who had associated hydrocephalus were initially treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). RESULTS: At follow up, both the patients symptomatically improved. Repeat MRI studies revealed collapse of the syrinx cavity and reduction of the Chiari malformation. CONCLUSIONS: Chiari malformation and syrinx associated with hydrocephalus may be effectively managed with endoscopic third ventriculostomy.
BACKGROUND: Chiari malformation with syringomyelia is conventionally managed with foramen magnum decompression and duroplasty. In presence of hydrocephalus, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion has been the initial preferred mode of treatment. METHODS: Two patients of Chiari I malformation with syringomyelia who had associated hydrocephalus were initially treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). RESULTS: At follow up, both the patients symptomatically improved. Repeat MRI studies revealed collapse of the syrinx cavity and reduction of the Chiari malformation. CONCLUSIONS: Chiari malformation and syrinx associated with hydrocephalus may be effectively managed with endoscopic third ventriculostomy.
Authors: John D Heiss; Giancarlo Suffredini; René Smith; Hetty L DeVroom; Nicholas J Patronas; John A Butman; Francine Thomas; Edward H Oldfield Journal: J Neurosurg Spine Date: 2010-12