Determination of Clinical Outcome of Surgery in Patients with Chiari 1 Malformation

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chiari 1 malformation is a congenital anomaly defined as downward displacement of cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. Various surgical procedures have been presented for this malformation with diverse results. In this study, clinical outcome in these patients was reviewed. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on 26 cases of Chiari 1 malformation operated at Imam Khomeini hospital in Orumieh, Iran. Symptoms and signs that have been evaluated included: suboccipital pain, weakness, spasticity, numbness, nystagmus, vertigo, atrophy and dissociated sensory loss. Each patient was analyzed separately to clarify if there was a benefit from surgery. FINDINGS: Suboccipital pain improved in 3 patients. Weakness in 2 patients resolved. Nystagmus in 5 patients and vertigo in 4 patients improved. Spasticity, numbness, atrophy and dissociated sensory loss remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Results of this study clarifies that the main benefit of surgery in patients with chiari 1 malformation (with or without syringomyelia) is to stop the progression of the disease.

Keywords

• chiari 1 malformation
• syringomyelia
• clinical outcome
• surgery