Seven cases are reported in which
syringomyelia was confirmed by neuroradiological studies and
surgical procedures. Dissociated sensory loss was noted in four patients in this series. Peripheral
paresis and
muscular atrophy in arms and hands were found in all seven patients. In only two of the patients the wide spinal canal were found in the lateral view of plain cervical spine films. Assimilation of the atlas to the occipital bone was seen in two patients.
Arnold-Chiari malformation was found by myelography and posterior fossa
craniectomy in four patients.
Metrizamide CT cisternography was found to be useful to demonstrate
Arnold-Chiari malformation. Gas myelography was performed on six patients. A collapsing cord was demonstrated in four patients. In other two patients the study was not successful because of technical problem and the association of
communicating hydrocephalus. Computed tomography, haad scanner, was done on six patients. Plain CT was not useful diagnostic study for the diagnosis of
Arnold-Chiari malformation or
syringomyelia. This study and other reports suggest that the most reliable radiological diagnostic method of
syringomyelia is gas myelography and demonstration of the collapsing cord. CT of the spinal cord requires further improvement, however, CT with high resolution and
metrizamide will improve diagnostic accuracy.