Defining, diagnosing, clarifying, and classifying the Chiari I malformations.

Childs Nerv Syst. 2019 Oct;35(10):1785-1792. doi: 10.1007/s00381-019-04172-6. Epub 2019 May 2.

Bordes SJenkins STubbs RS.


Abstract

PURPOSE:

Chiari malformations (CM) have been traditionally classified into four categories: I, II, III, and IV. In light of more recent understandings, variations of the CM have required a modification of this classification.

METHODS:

This article discusses the presentation, diagnostics, and treatment of the newer forms of hindbrain herniation associated with the CM type I.

RESULTS:

The CM 1 is a spectrum that includes some patients who do not fall into the exact category of this entity.

CONCLUSIONS:

While CM have been categorically recognized as discrete and individual conditions, newer classifications such as CM 0 and CM 1.5 exhibit some degree of continuity with CM 1; however, they require distinct and separate classification as symptoms and treatments can vary among these clinical subtypes.

KEYWORDS:

Chiari; Chiari 0; Chiari 1.5; Neurosurgery