Arnold-Chiari malformation: a diagnostic challenge
Susman, J.; Jones, C.; Wheatley, D.
American Family Physician 39(3): 207-211
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-838X PMID: 2923030 Document Number: 335208
Arnold-Chiari malformation is a disorder of embryologic development. In Type I, there is cerebellar displacement into the spinal canal, but hydrocephalus and syringomyelia are variable. Type II usually is manifested by severe hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele in infancy. Type I malformations may pose diagnostic challenges because they often produce bizarre and vague symptoms. A careful history and physical examination, coupled with neurologic testing, especially magnetic resonance imaging, will lead to the correct diagnosis.