Extremely large syringomyelia in the setting of Chiari malformation.
Syringomyelia
- Syringomyelia is the development of a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) within the spinal cord parenchyma.
Classic Presentation
- Cape-like distribution of sensory loss
- In a cervical syringomyelia, a fluid-filled cavity (a syrinx) expands outward and encroaches upon the anterolateral system, which affects the inner (arm) fibers prior to the outer (leg) fibers as well as affecting the crossing fibers at that level.
Key Causes
- Chiari Malformation
- Meningitis
- Spinal cord trauma can cause latent syringomyelia
- Tethered cord (congenital cause)