Chiari I malformation in children with transverse myelitis. (18th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vadivelu, Sathya; Vadivelu, Sudhakar; Mealy, Maureen; Patel, Smurti; Kosnik-Infinger, Libby; Becker, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 21:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 402
• Page End: 407
• Publication Date: 2018-08-18
• Subjects: Ectopia -- neuroinflammation -- myelitis -- spinal cord injury -- syringomyelia -- tonsillar; Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2017.1323972
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: Transverse myelitis (TM) is an acute inflammatory spinal cord injury. Asymptomatic Chiari I malformation (CMI) management is highly controversial, particularly when associated with a spinal syrinx. Here, we assess the occurrence of CMI in the pediatric TM population and management outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study based on 61 consecutively identified pediatric TM cases over an –8-year period. We reviewed demographic characteristics, radiographic findings, presenting symptoms, and long-term outcomes. Results: Eight CMI cases were identified within the TM cohort; all presented with TM by 16 months of age and affecting the cervical spinal cord. In three cases, CMI developed 15 months to 6 years after the onset of TM. One in 10 children with TM had CMI. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of CMI in patients with TM. Large prospective clinical studies are needed to further investigate the natural history and recovery strategies of CMI involved with neuroinflammatory disorders.