[Early syringomyelia following benign cervical injury. Contribution of postoperative MRI]

The authors show an observation of a post traumatic syringomyelia syndrome which gradually developed a few months after a cervical sprain. The diagnosis has been mentioned after the discovery of a "big medulla" with myelography and computed tomography. The presence of a cervical cystic cavity with viscous liquid has been confirmed by surgery. A syringosubarachnoïd shunt has been carried out with excellent post operative results as the patient has recovered all his sensory and motor functions. For the pathogenic hypothesis mention is made of a small subclinic early hematomyelia which then develops on its own to form a genuine syringomyelic cavity. The authors emphasize the future interest of M.R.I. for the pathogenic diagnosis as well for the post operative effects.