Syringomyelia

The term syringomyelia describes many pathogenetically different disorders, and a variety of attempts to group these based on different criteria have been proposed in the literature. As a consequence a lack of consensus regarding classification and terminology exists. This inconsistency extends to the ICD-10 classification of diseases in regards to syringomyelia (G95.0) and hydromyelia (Q06.4).

Blegvad et al., have shown that the use of classifying terminology for fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord is indiscriminate and inconsistent. Even though a general agreement on the believed pathogenetic mechanism exists, and the general treatment methods are used in accordance with this mechanism, the terminology fails to function as a simple and universal link between theory and treatment.

They propose a new causal concept for an ICD classification with syringomyelia (G95.0) as the only describing terminology, thus abandoning the use of hydromyelia (Q06.4). Syringomyelia is divided into five subgroups according to the associated pathologies. The classification is based on applied diagnostics and serves as a clinical guidance for treatment ¹⁾.

Its incidence after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is approximately 15%.

Derangement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) movement in the spine is a well-known cause of syringomyelia.

Syringomyelia is associated with pathologies related to the disturbance of cerebral spinal fluid flow found in conditions such as Chiari I malformations, spinal malignancy, spinal cord tethering, trauma, or arachnoid adhesions.

Syringomyelia secondary to cervical spondylosis is a rare entity to encounter in clinical practice. There is a potential causal association between cervical spondylosis and syringomyelia. MRI CSF flow studies may help in deciding the course of treatment in such cases. A subset of patients with cervical spondylosis and concurrent spinal cord signal intensity changes may show reversal of the same following intervention ²⁾.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt malfunction commonly presents as raised intracranial pressure. Rarely, when the central canal of the spinal cord communicates with the 4(th) ventricle, shunt malfunction can present as an expanding syrinx.

see Chiari Malformation Type 0.

see Holocord syringomyelia.

see Chiari type 1 deformity and syringomyelia.

Generally, there are two forms of syringomyelia: congenital and acquired. Syringomyelia is generally a chronic disorder that occurs over time, resulting in muscular atrophy. Acquired Syringomyelia can be caused by a serious physical trauma to the body such as in a road traffic accident

Syringomyelia can also be classified into communicating and noncommunicating forms. Communicating typically occurs due to lesions on the foramen magnum and noncommunicating occurs due to other spinal cord diseases.

Congenital syringomyelia

Holocord syringomyelia.

Idiopathic syringomyelia.

Posttraumatic syringomyelia.

Cervical syringomyelia

Cystic cavitation of the spinal cord.

The underlying pathophysiology leading to syringomyelia is elusive with multiple flow-related theories constituting our current limited understanding of the disease process.

It involves abnormal CSF flow mechanics.

see hydrodynamic theory.

Clinical presentation of syringomyelia can mimic a variety of neuromuscular disorders. A misdiagnosis can result in progressive pressure on the spinal cord, causing the development of severe irreversible neurologic deficits.

Severe untreated cases can result in irreversible spinal cord injury. Prompt diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging is important in both establishing diagnosis and directing further surgical management ³⁾.

see Syringomyelia treatment.

Data from long-term studies on shunting procedures for syringomyelia suggest 12-53% of patients improve, 10-56% unchanged, and 12-32% regress.