In:
Journal of Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG), Vol. 77, No. 4 ( 1992-10), p. 541-544
Abstract:
✓ Between January, 1981, and July, 1991, 17 infants under 1 month of age were admitted to The Hospital for Sick Children with the signs and symptoms of a Chiari II malformation. These patients' presentation included swallowing difficulty (71%), stridor (59%), apneic spells (29%), aspiration (12%), weakness of cry (18%), and arm weakness (53%). Decompression of the Chiari II malformation was performed in all patients, with a time interval between onset of symptoms and surgery ranging from 1 to 121 days. Fifteen patients (88%) remain alive, all of whom have shown a complete recovery. The mean follow-up period in this group of patients was 65 months. Two patients died, one due to respiratory arrest 8 months after decompression and the other because of shunt infection and peritonitis 7 years after decompression. These results support the concept that compressive forces, rather than a primary intrinsic disorder of the brain-stem nuclei, play a crucial etiological role in the development of a symptomatic Chiari II malformation. Early recognition of the symptoms of Chiari II malformation should be followed by immediate decompressive laminectomy in order to promote a prompt and full neurological recovery.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-3085
DOI:
10.3171/jns.1992.77.4.0541
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG)
Publication Date:
1992
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2026156-1
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