Myelography and Syringohydromyelia in Infancy and Childhood

Based on the neuroradiological evidence, a separation of the syringohydromyelic spectrum in infants and children is suggested. Through the techniques of Pantopaque subarachnoid myelography, air myelography and syringohydro-myelography, the following neuroradiological criteria will distinguish hydro-myelia and syringomyelia: (a) A smooth-walled cyst, Chiari malformation, spinal dysraphism and a collapsing cord with fourth ventricular communication probably represent a dilated central canal, i.e., hydromyelia. (b) A string of sausage-shaped or stacked-coin loculations within the cyst, scoliosis and no communication with the fourth ventricle and no collapse of the cord are suggestive of syringomyelia.