Introduction:

Chiari malformation type 1 includes a heterogeneous group of congenital malformations, characterized by caudal descent of the cerebellum through the foramen magnum. It has associated syringomyelia in 30-70% of cases. Controversies exist regarding the ideal surgical technique.

Objective:

To present a case of MC-1 associated with syringomyelia in which an expansive duroplasty is not applied.

Case report:

Female patient, 43 years old, with history of arterial hypertension. She went to the neurosurgical consultation for cervical pain radiating to the right upper limb. On neurological examination, she showed signs of first and second motor neuron involvement. MRI confirmed the diagnosis of MC-1. She underwent surgery by decompression of the posterior fossa without expansive duroplasty. The patient evolved without complications and she was discharged after 48 hours. During the follow-up, the paresthetic manifestations improved; however, the neurological examination remained the same. At six months, MRI indicated a marked decrease in syringomyelia and reshaping of the cisterna magna. Until 18 months after treatment, symptoms had not worsened and functional capacity was acceptable (Karnofsky 90/100).

Conclusions:

Posterior fossa decompression without expansive duroplasty, followed by microsurgical re-permeabilization of Magendie's foramen, had favorable results in our case.

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