Definition of Cord Cavitations; History of Syringomyelia; Review of Pathophysiological Hypotheses; Pathophysiology of Syringomyelia; Syringomyelia Associated with Diseases at the Craniocervical Junction: Chiari Malformations, Rhombencephalic Malformations, Foramen Magnum Arachnoiditis, Intracranial Tumors; Syringomyelia Associated with Diseases of the Spinal Canal: Spinal Arachnoid Scarring (i.e. Posttraumatic and Postinflammatory Syringomyelia); Tumors of the Spinal Canal; Spinal Dysraphism; Diseases of the Spine.
Syringomelia is a relatively rare clinical entity in which fluid-filled cavities develop within the spinal cord. Although modern imaging technologies usually permit an accurate diagnosis at an early stage, syringomyelia remains an enigmatic condition. This reference monograph provides an up-to-date account of the present state of understanding of syringomyelia and related disorders. The editors aim to document the best clinical practice in diagnosis and treatment and to provide clear guidance on how to reduce the incidence of severe outcomes. New challenges are addressed, including the appropriate management of the increasing number of apparently idiopathic syrinx cavities that are detected. In addition, controversies in current practice and directions for future research are fully discussed. Syringomelia will be an invaluable source of information for experts in the field, specialists in various related disciplines and other interested health care professionals.
Surgical skill and imaging technology in the field of neurosurgery have developed remarkably during the past decade. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with high contrast resolution and multiplanar capabilities, allows for accurate preoperative localization and postoperative assessment of syringomyelia. Recent advances in dynamic MRI techniques have made it possible to evaluate normal and abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow at the foramen magnum, within the syrinx, and in the spinal subarachnoid space, without invasion of the closed CSF system. These developments have yielded substantial information concerning various aspects of syringomyelia. However, many issues related to the pathophysiology and treatment of syringomyelia remain controversial. This book contains the scientific contributions presented at the international sym posium "Syringomyelia 2000:' held in Kobe, Japan, June 16-17,2000. The purpose of the symposium was to bring together experts in the fields of neurosurgery, neurol ogy, and neuropathology, in order to enhance the level and scope of their knowledge by making them more aware of work done in complementary fields. The contribu tions also report on clinical and basic studies pertinent to the topic of the sympo sium. This volume thus represents a comprehensive description of the state of the art regarding this disease in the hope that it may help to define comprehensively what is already known and to find new ways toward a better understanding of the patho physiology, diagnosis, and treatment of syringomyelia.
