Neurological pictures in paediatric Chiari I malformation

Abstract

The clinical features of Chiari I Malformation (CIM) may be related to the compression of dural and/or neural structures at the craniocervical junction or to the associated syringomyelia. Additionally, patients may exhibit symptoms and signs of associated disorders. CIM is a heterogeneous and multifactorial disorder including congenital and acquired forms; it can also be found as an isolated malformation or in association with many clinical conditions. We analyse the clinical features in a series of 65 children with CIM, focusing on the high frequency of associated clinical disorders. We emphasise the importance of a careful clinical and neurological assessment for a proper diagnosis and a correct management of these patients.