Disorder - Syringomyelia

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Taillessness; Spina bifida; Hydrocephalus

Presenting Signs

Syringomyelia is the occurrence of abnormal fluid-filled cavities called syrinxes within the spinal cord. It can be caused by abnormal development of the spinal cord tissue, blockage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow or narrowing of the CSF channels. It may also occur as a result of damage to the spinal cord. Simultaneous abnormalities in the brain have also been linked to syrinx formation. Syringomyelia can occur anywhere along the length of the spinal cord. The spinal canal in the backbone is a relatively confined space with little room for swelling or foreign masses. As a result the expanding syrinxes compress nearby nerves causing nerve dysfunction. Symptoms vary depending on where the syrinxes are located. Common presenting signs are incoordination and weakness of limbs, loss of feeling in areas of the body back from the syrinx and occasionally spinal pain. Syringomyelia can also occur as a result of viral infections like feline coronavirus and parvovirus infections. Larger syrinxes are often associated with congenital defects.

Treatment

Medical: diuretics and glucocorticoids to aid fluid drainage from the syrinx and to reduce swelling in the spinal cord, respectively. Surgical: ventriculoperitoneal shunting is the artificial channeling of CSF in the ventricles of the brain to the abdominal cavity. Hemilaminectomy involves removing a portion of the bony vertebra to expose the spinal cord and relieve pressure in the spinal cavity.

PubMed References
Syringomyelia

Contributor
Lai Yee Foong