Chiari malformation I and abducens nerve palsy: an overview of the documented cases

Chiari malformation (CM) type I is commonly distinguished by the caudal displacement of the cerebellar tonsils via the foramen magnum, leading to the compression of the brainstem and spinal cord. Lower cranial nerve palsies are frequently reported in individuals diagnosed with CM, occurring in approximately 15-20% of cases. However, the occurrence of abducens nerve palsy (ANP) is an exceptionally rare finding that necessitates additional examination.

To review the current literature on ANP in CM, we performed a thorough search of scientific databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Web of Science. Upon conducting a comprehensive evaluation of all the papers, it was ascertained that a total of four reports were found to be focused on the specific subject matter in question.

There were a total of four cases of ANP due to CM that were documented. The sample comprised only female individuals, with an average age of 14.7 years (ranging from 4 to 30). The study focused on the examination of cranial nerve palsies, imaging results, treatment approaches, postoperative size of the syrinx, outcome, and follow-up.

This research sheds light on the relatively unexplored phenomenon of ANP in individuals diagnosed with CM. The identification of this correlation has the potential to facilitate earlier identification and commencement of treatment in these individuals, hence enhancing the overall prognosis.