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Generalised spinal cord atrophy, Chiari-I malformation, and syringomyelia
J Finsterer1, D Lubec, P Samec
1Second Neurological Department, Neurological Hospital Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria.
Objectives:
To report the simultaneous occurrence of generalised spinal cord atrophy, Chiari-I malformation, and syringomyelia.
Setting:
Vienna, Austria.
Case Description:
An 83-year old woman presented with predominantly lower limb and distal tetraparesis, diffuse wasting, spasticity of both lower limbs, contractures, and severe kyphoscoliosis. Radiographic examinations revealed generalised spinal cord atrophy, Chiari-I malformation, and syringomyelia between C5 and C7. The generalised spinal cord atrophy was assumed to be due to either secondary atrophy or spontaneous collapse of a formerly more extensive syringomyelia. All other causes for generalised spinal cord atrophy were excluded.
Conclusions:
Generalised spinal cord atrophy in a patient with Chiari-I malformation and syringomyelia may be due to either secondary atrophy or spontaneous collapse of a formerly holocord syringomyelia. Myelography and MRI imaging of the spine are helpful in diagnosing this condition.