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AJNR: American Journal of Neuroradiology logoLink to AJNR: American Journal of Neuroradiology
. 1983 May-Jun;4(3):625-8.

Preoperative demonstration of postinflammatory syringomyelia.

J D Simmons, D Norman, T H Newton
PMCID: PMC8335026  PMID: 6410816

Abstract

Syringomyelia secondary to arachnoiditis is a rarely reported entity, which has not been described in the radiographic literature. A series of eight patients who had either postinfectious, posthemorrhagic, iatrogenic, or idiopathic arachnoiditis was examined recently with metrizamide computed tomography (CT). These patients presented with progressive neurologic deficits that could not be attributed to the level of arachnoid changes on myelography. On immediate and/or delayed CT scans, metrizamide accumulation within the central part of the cord was identified, both at and above the level of the arachnoiditis. In some patients, the cord diameter was normal. Syrinx cavities were demonstrated and shunted at surgery with subsequent partial relief or arrest of the symptoms. The mechanism of development of postinflammatory syringomyelia is discussed.

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