Natural history of Chiari I malformation with syrinx and dilatation of the central canal in the pediatric population: the CHEO experience.

Purpose: Given that syrinx is often considered an indication of surgery in children with Chiari I malformation (CM1), understanding of the natural history of these patients is very challenging. In this study, we investigate the natural history of children with CM1 that have syrinx and/or prominence of the central canal on presentation.

Methods: All pediatric Chiari I patients who had syrinx and/or prominence of the central canal who underwent MR imaging of the head and spine from 2007 to 2020 were reviewed.