Decompression of the spinal subarachnoid space as a solution for syringomyelia without Chiari malformation

In order to demonstrate the beneficial role of decompressive surgery, a comparison between the pre- and post-operative syrinx size and CSF flow in the subarachnoid space was made using cine-mode magnetic resonance imaging (cine-MRI) and then correlated with clinical improvement in seven patients with syringomyelia without Chiari malformation. All four patients showed symptomatic improvement after each decompressive operation compared to one out of three patients who underwent syringosubarachnoid shunt. A decrease of syrinx size was observed in only two out of the five patients who showed clinical improvement after treatment. These results suggest that the restoration of CSF flow dynamics between the syrinx and the subarachnoid space by decompressive operation is more effective than simple drainage of the syrinx cavity itself in the treatment of syringomyelia without Chiari malformation. space; syringomyelia.