Acute presentation of Chiari malformation type I in adulthood with arm swelling, a case report and literature review.

Abstract

Introduction: Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) with cervicothoracic syringomyelia can progress slowly this condition which is very common in clinical practice, particularly in children.

Case presentation: Patients typically present with chronic complaints, including headache, dizziness, and numbness, although are few reports in the literature describing pediatric patients who developed acute neurological deficits caused by CM-I. Here, we report an unusual presentation of this condition; the patient presented with sudden onset arm swelling with no precipitating factors that could explain the diagnosis.

Discussion: This is an illustrated case report and literature review. The patient's condition improved post-operatively; in terms of arm and hand swelling which resolved, but he still complained of persistent numbness on a follow-up visit.