Correction of Chiari malformation due to closure of a concomitant thoracic meningocele.

INTRODUCTION: Chiari malformations are characterized by hindbrain herniation. Historically, some types have been linked to neural tube defects, but the causal relationship between the two conditions is still unclear. CASE REPORT: We report on a full-term male neonate with a prenatally diagnosed posterior thoracic meningocele, whose MRI demonstrated Chiari malformation. The meningocele was closed in the second week of life. The Chiari-related symptoms rapidly improved following surgery. Postoperative MRI at 7 months of age showed ascent of the cerebellar tonsils to a normal position. DISCUSSION: This case suggests that the traction on the cerebellum by a fixed spinal cord may play a role in the pathogenesis of the multifaceted Chiari malformations.