Morphometric analysis of the craniocervical juncture in children with Chiari i malformation and concomitant syringobulbia

R. Shane Tubbs, Matthew Bailey, William C. Barrow, Marios Loukas, Mohammadali M. Shoja, W. Jerry Oakes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Although very uncommon, Chiari I malformation (CIM) with syringomyelia may be associated with concomitant syringobulbia. We hypothesized that the anatomy of the craniocervical region may be different in CIM patients with syringomyelia who develop syringobulbia in conjunction with their syringomyelia compared to other patients with CIM with and without syringomyelia. The present study was conducted in order to prove or disprove such a theory. Materials and methods: A group of 189 children with operated CIM were reviewed for the presence of syringobulbia, and this cohort then underwent morphometric analyses of their craniocervical juncture. These measurements were then compared to both our prior patient findings and historic controls. Results: The current study did not identify any morphometrical peculiarities for patients with CIM and syringobulbia compared to other CIM patients with and without isolated syringomyelia. Conclusions: Based on our study, the mechanism behind such cerebrospinal fluid distention into the brain stem remains elusive with no single morphometrical difference in patients with CIM and syringobulbia compared to other patients with CIM. Perhaps, future testing aimed at identifying pressure gradients across the foramen magnum in patients with and without syringobulbia and concomitant CIM may be useful.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)689-692
Number of pages4
JournalChild's Nervous System
Volume25
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Hindbrain hernia
  • Syringomyelia
  • Tonsillar ectopia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Morphometric analysis of the craniocervical juncture in children with Chiari i malformation and concomitant syringobulbia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this