Idiopathic syringomyelia: retrospective case series, comprehensive review, and update on management

Object A syrinx is a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord that can be an incidental finding or it can be accompanied by symptoms of pain and temperature insensitivity. Although it is most commonly associated with Chiari malformation Type I, the advancement of imaging techniques has resulted in more incidental idiopathic syringes that are not associated with Chiari, tumor, trauma, or postinfectious causes. The authors present a comprehensive review and management strategies for the idiopathic variant of syringomyelia. Methods The authors retrospectively identified 8 idiopathic cases of syringomyelia at their institution during the last 6 years. A PubMed/Medline literature review yielded an additional 38 articles. Results Two of the authors' patients underwent surgical treatment that included a combination of laminectomy, lysis of adhesions, duraplasty, and syrinx fenestration. The remaining 6 patients were treated conservatively and had neurologically stable outcomes. Review of the literature suggest...