Correction of Chiari malformation due to closure of a concomitant thoracic meningocele.

INTRODUCTION

Chiari malformations are characterized by hindbrain herniation. Historically, some types have been linked to neural tube defects, but the causal relationship between the two conditions is still unclear.

CASE REPORT: We report on a full-term male neonate with a prenatally diagnosed posterior thoracic meningocele, whose MRI demonstrated Chiari malformation. The meningocele was closed in the second week of life. The Chiari-related symptoms rapidly improved following surgery. Postoperative MRI at 7 months of age showed ascent of the cerebellar tonsils to a normal position.

DISCUSSION: This case suggests that the traction on the cerebellum by a fixed spinal cord may play a role in the pathogenesis of the multifaceted Chiari malformations.