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Chiari II malformation

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Long history of neurological impairment since birth.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Female

MRI brain

mri

MRI of the brain demonstrates a small posterior fossa with low lying tentorial attachment posteriorly. The tectum is beaked and hydrocephalus is present. 

MRI cervical spine

mri

The low lying tonsils in the foramen magnum are noted and the cervical spine shows a local syrinx between C6 - T2. Additionally, the C3 and C4 vertebral bodies are congenitally fused. 

MRI lumbar spine

mri

The lumbar spine shows the tethered cord down to the meningomyelocele at the level of S1 - S3. No abnormality is seen to the overlying subcutaneous fat. 

Case Discussion

This case illustrates many of the common features of Chiari II malformations, particularly the presence of a lumbosacral myelomeningocoele, small posterior fossa with tectal beaking and hydrocephalus. In this case the corpus callosum is intact. 

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