Association of Chiari Type 1 Malformation and Cervical Spine Curve Changes

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to examine the association of cervical spine curve abnormalities (loss of cervical lordosis or reversal of cervical curve) with Chiari Type 1 malformation (CM1). Further, a possible relation of syrinx formation in the cervical spinal cord and disc protrusion with CM1 was analyzed. Material and Methods: Cervical spinal magnetic resonance imagings of 998 patients were retrospectively screened for the presence of CM1. The frequency rates of syrinx formation within the spinal cord, cervical spinal curve changes, and cervical disc herniation among CM1+ and CM1- patients were compared. Results: Patients with CM1 have significantly higher rate of loss of cervical lordosis when compared with those who have not CM1. The syrinx formation rate was also found lower in the CM1+ patients with loss of cervical lordosis than in CM1+ patients with either normal cervical lordosis or reversed cervical curve. No significant difference was detected between CM1+ and CM1- patients regarding cervical disc herniation rate. Discussion and Conclusion: As the loss of cervical lordosis rate is higher in CM1, the patients with lateral X-ray findings of cervical lordosis flattening may be evaluated regarding typical neurological symptoms of syringomyelia.