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[Arnold-Chiari malformation. Contribution of cerebral echography in the pretherapeutic evaluation]
S Nko'o Amvene1, P Koki Ndombo, M Abena Obama
1Service de Radiologie, CHU de Yaoundé, Cameroun.
Insights
Pre-operative ultrasonography is useful for diagnosing Arnold-Chiari malformation (ACM) in infants with myelomeningocele. This imaging technique aids in identifying hydrocephalus, a common complication of ACM.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Medical Imaging
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Arnold-Chiari malformation (ACM) is a significant cause of hydrocephalus in newborns and infants.
- Myelomeningocele is a common congenital condition often associated with ACM.
- Accurate pre-operative diagnosis is crucial for managing ACM and its complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of pre-operative sonographic examinations in children diagnosed with Arnold-Chiari malformation (ACM).
- To assess the effectiveness of ultrasonography in identifying hydrocephalus associated with ACM in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Pre-operative sonographic examinations were conducted on eleven pediatric patients with Arnold-Chiari malformation (ACM) between August 1988 and August 1989.
- All patients presented with myelomeningocele.
- Sonographic findings, particularly characteristics of hydrocephalus, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Ultrasonography proved to be a valuable tool in the pre-operative assessment of these pediatric patients.
- Specific sonographic features of hydrocephalus, such as dilated atria and small temporal horns, were noted in eight children.
- Four out of five surgically treated patients experienced poor outcomes, highlighting the challenges in managing ACM.
Conclusions:
- Pre-operative ultrasonography is highly useful for diagnosing Arnold-Chiari malformation (ACM) in infants presenting with myelomeningocele.
- Sonography aids in the detection of hydrocephalus, a critical complication requiring timely intervention.
- The study underscores the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in this specific pediatric neurosurgical context.
Abstract:
From August 1988 to August 1989, we performed pre-operative sonographic examinations on eleven children who had Arnold-Chiari malformation (ACM). All children presented with myelomeningocele. ACM was the leading cause of hydrocephalus in infants and newborns. For eight children, hydrocephaly was particular by the discrepancy between the dilated atrium and the relatively small temporal horns. Two children have associated extra-neurologic malformations. Five patients were operated upon, with poor results in four. In our experience, ultrasonography was found very useful in patients presenting with myelomeningocele.