The Chiari II malformation: Cause and impact

David G. McLone, Mark Dias

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

200 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: It is the Chiari II malformation and its effects that determine the quality of life of the individual born with spina bifida. Discussion: The cause of this malformation has been a source of debate for many years. Understanding the cause enables strategies for the management of problems created by this malformation to be developed. An open neural tube defect allows fluid to escape from the cranial vesicles, altering the intracranial environment and leads to all of the brain changes seen in the Chiari II malformation. Decompression of the intracranial vesicles causes overcrowding, decrease in the size of the third ventricle, and changes in the fetal skull. It also permanently links the intracranial ventricular system to the spinal cord central canal.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)540-550
Number of pages11
JournalChild's Nervous System
Volume19
Issue number7-8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2003

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Clinical Neurology

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