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Chiari I malformation presenting as chronic cough.
Louella B Amos1, Diana R Quintero
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. lamos@mcw.edu
Pediatric Pulmonology
|September 12, 2008
Summary
A persistent cough in an infant, unresponsive to asthma treatment, was linked to a Chiari I malformation. Surgical decompression resolved the cough, indicating brainstem compression as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Persistent cough in infants can be challenging to diagnose.
- Asthma is a common consideration, but other underlying conditions may be responsible.
- Chiari I malformation is a congenital condition affecting the cerebellum and brainstem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of infant cough caused by Chiari I malformation.
- To highlight the importance of considering neurological causes for refractory respiratory symptoms in infants.
- To demonstrate the efficacy of surgical intervention for this specific presentation.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 9-month-old infant with intractable cough.
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including neurological imaging.
- Surgical intervention for Chiari I malformation with syringohydromyelia.
Main Results:
- The infant's persistent cough was refractory to standard asthma therapies.
- Diagnostic evaluation revealed a Chiari I malformation with syringohydromyelia.
- Following surgical decompression, the infant's cough completely resolved within one month.
Conclusions:
- Chiari I malformation can present with atypical symptoms such as persistent cough in infants.
- Brainstem compression secondary to Chiari I malformation may directly cause respiratory symptoms.
- Surgical decompression is an effective treatment for cough associated with Chiari I malformation.
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