Decompensated hydrocephalus causing syringomyelia and tetraparesis: a case report.

OBJECTIVE

Various causes for the development of syringomelia are discussed. The influence of hydrocephalus upon syringomyelia is rarely reported and its role remains unclear.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We report a young female patient with shunt dysfunction and consequent syrinx development after child delivery.

RESULTS

The patient showed rapid clinical deterioration after delivery. Treatment was shunt revision and reconstitution of CSF flow in the posterior fossa. After surgery, the patient showed regressive syringomyelia going along with a quick and pronounced clinical improvement.

CONCLUSION

Development of syringomyelia can be caused by CSF flow disorders and hydrocephalus and may be aggravated by increased intra-abdominal pressure.