Symptomatic Chiari Malformation with Syringomyelia after Cervical Trauma: Case Report

Chiari malformation type5I (CM5I) is a congenital d isorder characterized by downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils thru the foramen magnum, with/ without syringomyelia. The patients can be asymptomatic until an aggravation condition like cervical trauma occurs. We present a 54 years old male patient suffering from neck pain after traffic accident. He had mild motor weakness in upper extremities. His neuroradiological examinations revealed C657 facet and C7 lamina fractures; syringomyelia descending from C1 to T3 and a CM5I. In early post5traumatic follow5up period, his weakness was progressed, foramen magnum decompression and posterior cervical stabilization was performed. His motor weakness recovered and follow5up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination showed an evident regression of syrinx diameter. It should be kept in mind that previously asymptomatic CM51 patients can become symptomatic after cervical trauma.