Treatment of syringomyelia by syringo-peritoneal shunt.

Syringomyelic cavitation of various origins (excluding tumour) has been treated by syringo-peritoneal shunting (SPS) in 10 patients. The main clinical and radiological symptoms are reviewed and postoperative results evaluated; among the symptoms, pain is the most likely to improve after surgery. But the global outcome in the majority of cases remains unchanged, some patients showing neurological deterioration. Although MRI is of fundamental importance in diagnosis, the significance of the postoperative appearances on MRI has still to be elucidated. Other studies are certainly necessary to define the exact place of SPS in the treatment of syringomyelia.