2011•Neurological ResearchRequires access
The pathogenesis of Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia
Raymond F. Sekula, Gregory D. Arnone, Christine Crocker, Khaled M. Abdel Aziz, Noam Alperin
Open publisher page 50 citations
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The pathogeneses of Chiari malformation type I and syringomyelia are incompletely understood. In this article, the authors attempt to review the current theories on the pathogeneses of Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia. METHODS: A literature review for articles pertaining to Chiari I malformation or syringomyelia before August 2010 was conducted; in addition, the author's own experience in treating Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia is included. RESULTS: Chiari I malformation has been defined radiographically as cerebellar tonsillar herniation or ectopia 5 mm or greater below the foramen magnum. By this narrow definition, Chiari I malformation (i.e. cerebellar tonsillar herniation or ectopia 5 mm or greater below the foramen magnum) likely encompasses a heterogeneous grouping of disorders caused by different mechanisms. Molecular and genetic studies have been helpful in furthering our understanding of Chiari I malformation. CONCLUSION: A review of the pathogeneses of Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia is reported.