External syringomyelia in longstanding benign foramen magnum tumors.

Background: The effect of benign foramen magnum tumours on cranial and spinal dimensions and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces is unclear. In this study, we measured alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces in the spinal canal and in the posterior cranial fossa distant from the site of benign foramen magnum tumors.

Methods: Twenty-nine magnetic resonance imaging scans of patients with foramen magnum tumors (8 meningiomas and 21 C2 neurinomas) were identified for radiological morphometric analysis and compared with normal control scans.

Chiari malformation: Has the dilemma ended?

Chiari malformation as a clinical entity has been described more than hundred years ago. The concepts regarding pathogenesis, clinical features and management options have not yet conclusively evolved. Considering that a variety of treatment methods are being adopted to treat Chiari malformation is suggestive of the fact that confusion still reigns supreme in the minds of treating clinicians.