Chiari I malformation with or without syringomyelia and pregnancy: case studies and review of the literature

Abstract

Women with Chiari I malformation with or without syringomyelia are of particular concern because of the potential risk of increased intracranial pressure during pregnancy and delivery. The following questions are most often asked in the clinical setting: Is it safe to have a planned pregnancy? Will the symptoms become worse or recur during pregnancy and will the baby be normal? Seven patients with Chiari I malformation, with and without syringomyelia, submitted checklists of self-reported symptoms experienced during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Seven patients with Chiari I malformation with and without syringomyelia were queried for symptoms during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. None of the patients reported significant increase or recurrence of Chiari-related symptoms during delivery or postpartum. Four of the women had epidural anesthesia for delivery and reported no related symptoms. This series represents a small number of women with Chiari I malformation who had uncomplicated pregnancy, labor, and delivery.