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Neuroimaging and the Clinical Manifestations of Chiari Malformation Type I (CMI)

  • Imaging (L Mechtler, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Chiari malformation type I (CMI) involves the caudal displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum with resultant brainstem compression in some individuals. Due to pathophysiologic changes, secondary conditions may arise, such as syringohydromyelia (SH) and scoliosis. This disorder is unique, as the diagnosis is confirmed through radiologic findings. At times CMI is discovered incidentally on neuroimaging, but more frequently a patient will present with specific symptoms, the most common being a prototypic occipital headache. Although the true etiology of this complex condition remains speculative, the advent of neuroimaging has allowed for clarification of the enigmatic relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, neuroanatomical compression, and clinical symptoms. Recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and CSF flow studies show promise in clarifying the underlying fluid dynamics in CMI patients and can aid in the prognosis and diagnosis of this complex disorder.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Jennifer Williams McVige and Dr. Jody Leonardo each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric and Adult Headache, Dent Headache Center, Dent Neurologic Institute, 3980 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY, 14226, USA

    Jennifer Williams McVige

  2. School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Jody Leonardo

  3. University at Buffalo Neurosurgery, 3980A Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY, 14226, USA

    Jody Leonardo

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  1. Jennifer Williams McVige
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  2. Jody Leonardo
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Correspondence to Jennifer Williams McVige.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Imaging

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McVige, J.W., Leonardo, J. Neuroimaging and the Clinical Manifestations of Chiari Malformation Type I (CMI). Curr Pain Headache Rep 19, 18 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-015-0491-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-015-0491-2

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