Spontaneous regression of syringomyelia – review of the current aetiological theories and implications for surgery

A number of hypotheses have been postulated to explain the development of syringomyelia associated with Chiari I malformation. However, the mechanism of syrinx development is still poorly understood. Furthermore, the outcomes of current surgical procedures have been variable. There is evidence that the syringomyelia can spontaneously resolve, and this may warrant a more conservative approach to monitor the progression of neurological deficits. In this paper, we present a patient with spontaneous regression of syringomyelia. The current aetiological theories are discussed.