A case of sleep-disordered breathing presenting with increased intracranial pressure in a child with type 1 Chiari malformation.

Abstract

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), with both central and obstructive sleep apneas, has been reported in association with Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1). CM1 is a congenital or acquired herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. In this case, a five-year-old girl with a history of CM1 and syringomyelia experienced worsening intracranial pressure (ICP) secondary to SDB. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of sleep related respiratory disorders in patients with Chiari malformation and its association with increased intracranial pressure.