Authors: Anuj Bahl Mary Murphy Nicholas Thomas Richard Gullan
Publish Date: 2011/01/22
Volume: 153, Issue: 5, Pages: 1123-1128
Abstract
Decompression of the foramen magnum for symptomatic Chiari malformation attends a small but significant risk of infratentorial subdural extraarachnoid hygroma when an arachnoidsparing procedure is attempted We present three cases whereby an arachnoidsparing procedure was carried out and resulted in infratentorial subdural hygroma and hydrocephalus The complication was managed by reexploration of the posterior fossa and wide arachnoidotomy In cases whereby the decision has been made to open the dura we recommend routine arachnoidotomy in foramen magnum decompression avoiding the risks of infratentorial subdural hygroma In cases where arachnoidsparing procedures have been attempted and subdural hygroma subsequently develops we advocate reexploration of the posterior fossa rather than cerebrospinal fluid diversion
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