Syringomyelia: A Review

Syringomyelia is a pathological entity characterized by spinal cord cavitation that often translates into a progressive clinical syndrome ranging from minimal to significant loss of neurological function. Although syringomyelia is often described in the context of a coexisting Chiari malformation, it can be present in a wide spectrum of disease processes. In this article we present a review of the pathophysiology and treatment strategies in syringomyelia. A classification system for this clinical entity is also outlined.

Keywords:  syrinx , syringomyelia , hydromyelia , spinal cord cavitation , Chiari malformations