Chiari malformation

Chiari malformation (Arnold-Chiari malformation) is a congenital CNS anomaly. It is a dystopia of the cerebellum  and  medulla oblongata into the spinal canal, which is clinically manifested by hydrocephalus. RWe distinguish four types of rhombencephalon abnormalities (cerebellum, pons, oblongata):
 * Type 1 - herniation of the cerebellar tonsil under the foramen magnum, IV. the chamber is stored normally
 * Type 2 - usually the co-presence of myelomeningocele
 * Type 3 - severe dislocation of structures in the posterior pit, often associated with suboccipital encephalomeningocele; usually incompatible with life
 * Type 4 - cerebellar hypoplasia without herniation.

Clinical picture
Clinically, the defect is manifested mainly by headache, weakened grip and spasticity of DK.

Diagnosis
Native X-ray, MRI.

Therapy
The main problem is hydrocephalus – decompression of the craniospinal junction, short-circuit drainage operations.

Related articles

 * Meningocele
 * Craniostenosis
 * Dandy-Walker malformation
 * Syringomyelic syndrome