Scoliosis associated with syringomyelia presenting in children

Childs Nerv Syst. 1992 Mar;8(2):97-100. doi: 10.1007/BF00298449.

Abstract

The clinical presentations and radiological features of scoliosis accompanying syringomyelia were analyzed in 14 cases of syringomyelia associated with a in 14 cases of syringomyelia associated with a Chiari malformation in children. Scoliosis was the initial symptom in 11 out of 16 patients (64%) with syringomyelia and present in 14 (88%) at the initial examination. The scoliosis associated with syringomyelia was characterized by a higher incidence of a single curve (6 cases, 43%) and convexity to the left (7 cases, 50%) than seen in idiopathic scoliosis. The syrinx was shifted to the convex side of scoliosis on the axial section at the middle or lower thoracic level in patients with a single curve, and at the cervical or upper thoracic level in patients with a double curve. The authors think that the scoliosis develops in children as a result of damage done to the anterior horn, which innervates the muscles of the trunk, by an asymmetrically expanded syrinx.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / diagnosis
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / surgery
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Scoliosis / diagnosis*
  • Scoliosis / surgery
  • Syringomyelia / diagnosis*
  • Syringomyelia / surgery