Although the diagnosis of syrinx can be easily made using magnetic resonance imaging its mechanism of formation still remains to be elucidated. We investigated the etiology and mechanism of syrinx formation associated with intramedullary tumors.
We reviewed 10 cases of intramedullary tumor, six of which were complicated with syrinx. The tumors with Syrinx were 2 hemangiomas, 2 hemangioblastomas, 1 hemangioendothelioma, and 1 ependymoma.
Cases of intramedullay tumors with syrinx, in comparison to those without, had a shorter duration from time of onset of symptoms to operation. These cases also were more likely to have tumors in the upper thoracic region. Active fluid secretions from the tumor and abnormal CSF circulation dynamics are important factors in forming and maintaining syrinx. However, other factors such as gliosis and absorption of fluid guard against syrinx formation, and therefore all of these factors need to be considered.
