Arnold-Chiari malformation Type I. Presentation of a case

Abstract

Arnold Chiari is a rare incapacitating disease affecting 0,5 % of the population, 80 % of them women. The resulting hydrocephalus is caused by the excess of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricular system or lack of balance between its formation and absorption, leading to a progressive increase of the ventricular cavities. In our patient it is due to an Arnold-Chiari malformation Type I, presenting a variable grade abnormal descent of the inferior portion of the cerebellum, the ventrolateral medulla and the fourth ventricle to the spinal cord through the foramen magnum. The objective of this work is presenting a case with this malformation, describing the clinical features and comparison with the reviewed medical literature.