detection of syringomyelia in a pediatric patient with mild scoliosis: a case report

Detection of syringomyelia in a pediatric patient with mild scoliosis: a case report It can be challenging to detect syringomyelia in patients with scoliosis, as some cases are mildly symptomatic with little to no neurological deficits. However, a timely diagnosis of syringomyelia is needed to facilitate important treatment considerations.

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Do patients with scoliosis secondary to syringomyelia have abnormal neurologic findings?

A retrospective review of 25 patients with scoliosis secondary to syringomyelia was conducted. All patients had large syrinxes, but only 10 patients had abnormal neurologic findings, suggesting that subtle neurologic findings in patients with scoliosis should not be underestimated and supporting liberal use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What is the current research on syringomyelia?

Current research in syringomyelia (www.clinicaltrials.gov): Refinements of surgical techniques: surgery to open spinal subarachnoid space versus syrinx shunt, posterior fossa decompression with or without duraplasty in patients with CM-I and syringomyelia. Vandertop WP.

When does syringomyelia usually develop in myelomeningocele?

Myelomeningocele: Syringomyelia usually develops around age four to seven after surgical repair of the defect during the neonatal period. 11 There is a lack of data regarding the natural history of syringomyelia in patients with myelomeningocele.

What is the best outcome scale for syringomyelia?

Functional scales (eg, WeeFIM) that address mobility, self-care, and cognition can be used for children ages 3 to 8 years. There is presently no valid, specific, reliable outcome scale for syringomyelia.

What is syringomyelia in pediatrics?

In the pediatric population, syringomyelia usually occurs in the setting of congenital abnormalities, which may result in complex medical and rehabilitation needs that require a multidisciplinary approach to care.

What is a syringomyelia?

Definition. Syringomyelia is a condition caused by a fluid-filled cavity, or syrinx, which forms within the spinal cord. A syrinx can refer to an abnormal gliotic-lined fluid-filled cavity located within the spinal cord parenchyma (syringomyelia) or a focal dilation of the central canal (hydromyelia).

What is the most common etiology of syringomyelia?

The most common etiology of syringomyelia in both adult and pediatric patients is Chiari I malformation, representing 48-50% of adult cases 4,5 and 43.2% of pediatric cases. 6 In adults, the next most common etiologies include idiopathic (15.7%), Chiari II malformation (8.1%), post-traumatic (7.5%), spinal cord tumor (5.2%), and arachnoiditis (4.9%). 4 In pediatric populations with syrinx, the next most commonly associated conditions are idiopathic (30.6%), spinal dysraphism (7.4%), tumor (5.5%), and tethered cord (4.8%). 6

What percentage of patients with myelomeningocele have syringomyelia?

Myelomeningocele: The presence of syringomyelia in patients with myelomeningocele varies from 25 to 45%. 11 There is an association between untreated or inadequately treated hydrocephalus and symptomatic syringomyelia in patients with myelomeningocele. 12

How long does it take for syringomyelia to develop?

When syringomyelia presents symptomatically, progressive neurologic deterioration may appear, but it may take years from onset to diagnosis. Presymptomatic diagnosis can be made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Syringomyelia involving the cervical spinal cord usually progresses slowly.

What are the risk factors for developing syringomyelia?

Risk factors for developing syringomyelia include a family history of syringomyelia as well as specific factors related to predisposing conditions:

How long does syringomyelia stay stable?

A recent study revealed that 84% of patients with post-traumatic syringomyelia without neurological progression remained stable over 10 years.