Reversible tonsillar prolapse and syringomyelia after embolization of a tectal arteriovenous malformation. Case report and review of the literature

J Neurosurg. 2007 Aug;107(2):412-5. doi: 10.3171/JNS-07/08/0412.

Abstract

The authors report the case of a 21-year-old woman who presented with headaches, frequent sensations of loss of equilibrium, and intermittent strabismus. A tectal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was diagnosed based on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings. The AVM drained toward the straight sinus and was associated with a tonsillar prolapse (Chiari malformation Type I [CM-I]) and cervical syringomyelia. The tectal AVM was embolized with N-butyl cyanoacrylate, and disconnection of about 80% of the lesion was obtained. All clinical symptoms resolved after embolization, and radiosurgery was proposed to treat the malformation remnant. A control MR image confirmed the regression of the tonsillar prolapse and the disappearance of the syrinx. This report emphasizes that CM-I and syringomyelia may be acquired and related to hydrovenous disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / etiology
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / pathology*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / complications*
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / pathology
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / therapy*
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Syringomyelia / etiology
  • Syringomyelia / pathology*
  • Tectum Mesencephali*