Scoliosis and syringomyelia with chiari malformation after lumbar shunting

Hsin Hung Chen, Feng Chi Chang, Tai Tong Wong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Unsteady gait was noted in a 2-year-old boy with a lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt that had been inserted 1 year earlier for increased head circumference caused by communicating hydrocephalus. Scoliosis was also noted during postoperative follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed new hindbrain tonsillar herniation and an extensive syrinx from C3 to L1. The malfunctioning LP shunt was removed and posterior fossa decompression with ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion was performed. The unsteady gait recovered completely and scoliosis improved. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated resolution of the syrinx and tonsillar herniation. Acquired Chiari I malformation after LP shunt is well documented; usually, patients have no symptoms. This is the first report to have all the cause and effect mechanisms among syringomyelia, scoliosis and Chiari I malformation in 1 patient. We review the literature and discuss the possible mechanisms.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)384-388
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the Chinese Medical Association
Volume73
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acquired Chiari malformation
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Lumboperitoneal shunt
  • Scoliosis
  • Syringomyelia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine(all)

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