Terminal syringomyelia mimicing intramedullary tumor: case report

Abstract

In this report, the authors present a 14-year-old male patient admitted with progressive paraparesis and urinary incontinence that developed in a 3-month period. Thoracolumbar MRI revealed an intramedullary lesion starting from the level of the T10 vertebra and extending to fill the sacral spinal canal. Based on the radiological findings an intramedullary tumor was suspected. Exploratory operation with right L5 hemilaminectomy was done and the intraoperative finding was syringomyelia which was punctured with releasing of the tethered cord. The patient was followed for 3 years with clinical and radiological regression of the pathology and no symptoms and sings have remained. Syringomyelia can mimic intramedullary tumors clinically and radiologically. That is why it is useful to consider exploratory hemilaminectomy to confirm diagnosis.

Arnold-Chiari 1 malformation type 1 with syringohydromyelia presenting as acute tetraparesis: A case report

“…10 One case report describes syringomyelia that presented as paraparesis coupled with urinary incontinence that slowly progressed over a 3-month period and was associated with an intramedullary lesion from T10 to the sacral spinal canal. 11 The lesion was found to be a syringohydromyelia intraoperatively. 11 While the location of the syringomyelia in the aforementioned case accounts for the patient only experiencing symptoms in his lower extremities, this current case is still unique in the acute onset of paresis.…”

“…11 The lesion was found to be a syringohydromyelia intraoperatively. 11 While the location of the syringomyelia in the aforementioned case accounts for the patient only experiencing symptoms in his lower extremities, this current case is still unique in the acute onset of paresis. Paraparesis and even tetraparesis in the setting of a cervical syrinx have also been reported in the setting of a malfunctioning CSF shunts.…”