Divergence insufficiency alleviated by posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty in a patient with Chiari type 1.5 malformation

J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2018 Nov 1;22(5):504-507. doi: 10.3171/2018.5.PEDS1886. Epub 2018 Aug 10.

Abstract

The authors present a case of Chiari type 1.5 malformation with the uncommon presenting symptoms of esotropia and diplopia due to divergence insufficiency in a 12-year-old girl. Imaging at initial diagnosis revealed cerebellar herniation with extension of the tonsils to the C2 vertebral body, a retroflexed odontoid, and a small cervical syrinx. The patient was initially treated with an uncomplicated Chiari malformation decompression without dural opening. Repeat imaging revealed an adequate decompression. Three months postoperatively the patient's diplopia recurred and she underwent repeat posterior fossa decompression with dural opening and duraplasty. Following repeat decompression with dural opening and duraplasty, the patient's diplopia had not recurred by the 2-year follow-up.https://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2018.5.PEDS1886.

Keywords: Chiari 1.5 malformation; PD = prism diopter; decompression; diplopia; divergence insufficiency; duraplasty.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / diagnostic imaging
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / surgery*
  • Child
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / diagnostic imaging
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / surgery*
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods*
  • Dura Mater / diagnostic imaging
  • Dura Mater / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Treatment Outcome