Evaluation of Syringo-Subarachnoid Shunt for Syringomyelia

Seok, Seok; Kim, Joo Han; Lim, Dong Jun; Cho, Tai Hyung; Pakr, Jung Yul; Pakr, Youn Kwan; Chung, Heung Seob; Suh, Jung Keun

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the syringo-subarachnoid shunt for the syringomyelia, according to the clinical outcome and radiological changes.
METHODS
Ten patients who underwent syringo-subarachnoid shunt during last 5 years were included in this analysis. The average age at the presentation was 32.6(range 7 to 51) years. Chiari I malformation was found in four patients, Post-infectious syringomyelia was in three patients, and posttraumatic syringomyelia in two patients. The most common presenting symptoms were motor weakness and pain. Radiological diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance image in all patients. All patients underwent syringo-subarachnoid shunt, and in five patients with Chiari I malformation or achondroplasia, foramen magnum decompression was done as well.
RESULTS
Eight showed the significant clinical improvement. Remaining two patients showed stabilization of the symptom. The postoperative magnetic resonance image, performed in seven cases, showed the reduction of the syrinx size in all case. There was no shunt malfunction or infection in our series. The transient cerebospinal fluid leakage was noted in three cases.
CONCLUSION
It appears that the syringo-subarachnoid shunt is beneficial surgical method for the syringomyelia of various etiologies.