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Syringomyelia caused by cervical spondylosis
1Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan. rkimura@nmu-gw.naramed-u.ac.jp
Acta Neurochirurgica
|February 14, 2004
Summary
This case study highlights syringomyelia caused by cervical spondylosis, a rare occurrence. Surgical decompression successfully alleviated the patient's symptoms, suggesting intermittent spinal cord compression as a potential cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Spinal Imaging
Background:
- Syringomyelia is typically linked to Chiari malformations, spinal tumors, or trauma.
- Cervical spondylosis is an uncommon cause of syringomyelia.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old woman presented with severe radicular pain and syringomyelic syndrome.
- Cervical spine imaging revealed spondylosis and instability at C4/5 and C6/7.
- Dynamic MRI showed intermittent spinal cord compression at C5-C6, with a syrinx extending from C2 to Th3.
Findings:
- The patient underwent anterior decompression and stabilization.
- Post-surgery, the syrinx size significantly reduced.
- The patient experienced remarkable improvement in her symptoms.
Implications:
- This case suggests craniospinal pressure dissociation due to intermittent spinal cord compression can cause syringomyelia.
- Highlights the importance of considering cervical spondylosis in syringomyelia etiology.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of surgical intervention for spondylosis-induced syringomyelia.