investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
The investigation of a suspected Arnold-Chiari malformation should encompass:
- MRI - the investigation of choice since it clearly demonstrates cerebellar ectopia and presence or absence of an associated syringomyelia
- CT - best with contrast. Demonstrates cerebellar tissue lying in the spinal canal
- X rays:
- skull - look for basilar impression or lacunae
- cervical spine - look for Klippel-Feil syndrome
- lumbosacral spine - look for spina bifida