[Hydro-syringomyelic cavities. Contributions of x-ray computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance. Value of syringoperitoneal shunt].

Twenty one patients with a spinal cord cavity are reported: 14 presented syringomyelia, 3 had a syringomyelic syndrome of another etiology, 4 had clinical symptoms different from those usually observed with such cavities. All patients had a plain C.T. and 20 had a C.T. of cervical and thoracic spinal cord 6 hours after cervical myelography with metrizamide or iopamiron. Morphologic and dynamic features given by this examination are reported. They allowed a discussion about the pathogenesis of the cavity: some cases were consistent with Gardner's theory, but the majority were consistent with Aboulker's. Nine patients had an examination by magnetic resonance imaging which gave the morphologic features necessary for the treatment: spinal cord cavity, Chiari malformation, hydrocephalus. Eleven patients were treated by a syringoperitoneal shunt: in spite of the short follow-up, the results seem favourable, especially for sensitivity and trophic troubles. Surgery should be based upon aggravating course and hydrocephalus. The results of syringoperitoneal shunting allow new considerations about pathogenesis.