Numerical analysis of the effect of Syringomyelia on cerebrospinal fluid dynamics

Spinal cord enlargement (SCE) includes conditions such as Syringomyelia, tumors, and tumor-like cases of demyelination, edema, or inflammation. These conditions involve fluid-filled cysts, known as syrinx, or masses of tissue, referred to as tumors, which cause increased pressure within the spinal cord (SC) and obstruct cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation. To assess the impact of SCE location and diameter, we constructed fifteen computational SC models, each featuring a SCE placed in one of five probable locations with 20 %, 40 %, and 60 % stenosis. Our objective was to investigate how the location, diameter, and length of the SCE influence CSF velocity pattern and to identify the most critical location in the SC associated with this condition. The results indicated a velocity increase of 0.5 cm/(s) near models with 60 % stenosis. Importantly, SCE located from T1 to T5 exhibit a more pronounced reduction, exceeding 6.5, in the Womersley number. Our finding suggests that this region is the most vulnerable for SCE formation due to its significant impact on fluid circulation. The identification of specific locations within the SC associated with heightened risk can contribute to an improved understanding, treatment and management of SCE.