• INTRAOPERATORY ULTRASOND IN PATIENTS WITH ARNOLD CHIARI TYPE 1

    M. De Lima Oliveira, R. Shimidt Brock, M. Augusto Taricco, S. Brasil Lima, M. Jacobsen Teixeira, E. Bor-Seng-Shu
    Department of Neurology, University Hospital, University of São Paulo – São Paulo, Brazil

    Objective: Arnold Chiari type I malformation is narrowly defined when the tonsils of the cerebellum extend below the foramen magnum, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. Optimal treatment for patients with Arnold Chiari type 1 is not yet well established, especially when associated with syringomyelia. Isu et al (1993) described surgical decompression technique without performing the dural opening. Mushim and Frimm (2000) concluded more reliable reduction in the syringomyelia when duraplasty technique was applied, however some of these patients developed cerebrospinal (CSF) leaks and meningitis. Currently there are no data to determine which patients with Arnold-Chiari I malformation would benefit from the removal of the bone structure alone without the need for duraplasty.