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Chiari Syndrome: Advances in Epidemiology and Pathogenesis: A Systematic Review
Raquel Rodríguez-Blanque1,2,3, Cristina Almazán-Soto4, Beatriz Piqueras-Sola1,5
1Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, 18071 Granada, Spain.
Insights
Arnold Chiari syndrome, a congenital posterior cranial malformation, presents diverse symptoms and diagnostic challenges. Research suggests a potential genetic origin and posterior cerebral fossa decompression as the primary treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Arnold Chiari syndrome is a rare congenital posterior cranial malformation.
- Its etiology remains under investigation, with a wide spectrum of symptoms from severe to asymptomatic.
- Diagnosis is often delayed until adolescence due to varied clinical presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated comprehensive review of Arnold Chiari syndrome.
- To analyze scientific literature published within the last 5 years.
- To adhere to the PRISMA model for systematic reviews.
Main Methods:
- Exhaustive literature search of scientific publications from the past 5 years.
- Systematic review conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
- Study registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023394490).
Main Results:
- The review synthesizes current knowledge on Arnold Chiari syndrome.
- Identified challenges in early diagnosis and treatment efficacy.
- Highlighted the potential genetic underpinnings of the condition.
Conclusions:
- Arnold Chiari syndrome may have a genetic basis.
- Posterior cerebral fossa decompression is the recommended surgical intervention.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the syndrome's origins and optimize treatment outcomes.
Abstract:
Arnold Chiari syndrome is a rare congenital disease of unknown prevalence and whose origin is still under study. It is encompassed within the posterior cranial malformations, showing a wide spectrum of symptomatology that can range from severe headache, dizziness, and paresthesia to complete asymptomatology. It is for this reason that early diagnosis of the disease is difficult, and it is usually diagnosed in adolescence. Treatment is based on remodeling and decompression of the malformed posterior cranial fossa, although the risk of residual symptoms after surgery is high. The aim of this review is to update all the existing information on this pathology by means of an exhaustive analysis covering all the scientific literature produced in the last 5 years. In addition, it has been carried out following the PRISMA model and registered in PROSPERO with code CRD42023394490. One of the main conclusions based on the results obtained in this review is that the origin of the syndrome could have a genetic basis and that the treatment of choice is the decompression of the posterior cerebral fossa.
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