II. Definition: Chiari II Malformation
- Cerebellum and Brain Stem elongate via foramen magnum
- Cerebellar Tonsils dip into foramen magnum
- Risk of cord injury with even minor Trauma
III. Presentation
- Presentation as infant (10% of cases)
- Apnea
- Weak cry
- Stridor
- Emergency - may herald Respiratory Failure
- Insidious course during childhood
- Gait Abnormality
- Spasticity
- Incoordination
IV. Associated Conditions
- Myelomeningocele
- Hydrocephalus
- Corpus callosum abnormalities
V. Management
- Management of Myelomeningocele and Hydrocephalus
- Decompression of at foramen magnum may be indicated
VI. Precautions
- Acute conditions indicating emergent MRI
- Head or neck Trauma (even minor Trauma)
- Stridor (may herald Respiratory Failure)
VII. References
- Majoewsky (2012) EM:Rap-C3 2(9): 5
- Behrman (2000) Nelson Pediatrics, Saunders, p. 1810
- Goldman (2000) Cecil Medicine, Saunders, p. 2076