A Case of Huge Syringomyelia Whose Symptoms Started 15 Years Ago

Abstract

We report a case of huge syringomyelia whose symptoms started 15 years ago. A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for syringomyelia with Chiari type I malformation. Her first symptom was flexional transformation of her little finger 15 years ago. Operation of the hand was performed, but recovery was not achieved. Gradually sensory disturbance and gait disturbance occurred. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed huge syringomyelia with Chiari malformation, and she was referred to our hospital. Foramen magnum decompression was performed and gait disturbance was improved.
It is difficult to diagnose patients with syringomyelia occurring from muscle atrophy. Sensory disturbance or motor dysfunction tends to remain if syringomyelia causes irreversible disturbance. Patients should be diagrosed and treated before developing irreversible spinal cord disturbance.