Anaesthetic Management of Parturient with Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia: Case Report

Chiari malformation is a rare neurological condition associated with the herniation of cerebellar tonsils into the spinal canal through the foramen magnum. There are no recommended guidelines published for the anaesthetic management of pregnant women with this condition. We report our experience in managing two patients who presented for a caesarean section at our institution. Both parturients were symptomatic due to Chiari malformation with syrinx formation. One patient received a sequential epidural, and the other patient was given a general anaesthetic for the caesarean section. Both were discharged home without neurological deterioration.