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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Case report

Chiari malformation type I with cervicothoracic syringomyelia masquerading as bibrachial amyotrophy: a case report

Authors: Jeffrey R Mora, Richard A Rison, Said R Beydoun

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Introduction

Clinical presentation of syringomyelia can mimic a variety of neuromuscular disorders. A misdiagnosis can result in progressive pressure on the spinal cord, causing the development of severe irreversible neurologic deficits.

Case presentation

We report the very unusual case of a 50-year-old Latino man who developed severe distal muscle atrophy and bulbar dysfunction as a result of Chiari malformation type I with chronic cervicothoracic syringomyelia.

Conclusion

Syringomyelia is a potentially serious neurologic condition with symptoms that can mimic other neuromuscular disorders. Severe untreated cases can result in irreversible spinal cord injury. Prompt diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging is important in both establishing diagnosis and directing further surgical management.
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Metadata
Title
Chiari malformation type I with cervicothoracic syringomyelia masquerading as bibrachial amyotrophy: a case report
Authors
Jeffrey R Mora
Richard A Rison
Said R Beydoun
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-9-11

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