[Syringomyelia due to arachnoiditis. Clinical-radiological description of 5 patients]

Five patients (mean age 44 years--range 21-67 years) with arachnoiditis of different origin who posteriorly developed syringomyelia are presented. The etiopathogenic mechanism of the arachnoiditis was post injury in one case, 2 patients had history of meningitis (tuberculous and pneumococcic) and in the other two no related factor was found. The period of latency among the causes which originated arachnoiditis and the diagnosis of syringomyelia oscillated between 10 months and 16 years. The localization of the cavity was dorsal in 3 cases, cervical in another and in the last it was extended along the whole spine. No patient demonstrated the Arnold-Chiari malformation nor basilar impression. Analyzing the clinical history, radiologic studies and surgical findings the most probable etiopathogenic mechanism involved in each case is discussed.