Syringomyelia in dermatological practice

Syringomyelia is a chronic neurological disease characterized by the progressive formation of longitudinal cavities (syrinxes) in the spinal cord, filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or a fluid of similar composition. This pathology is secondary, developing due to impaired CSF circulation. Syringomyelia commonly presents with dysesthesias, paresthesias, and impairment of various sensory modalities; however, it is frequently discovered as an incidental finding. In addition to neurological symptoms, the disease may be accompanied by damage to the skin and its appendages. Skin symptoms are presumably driven by autonomic and trophic dysfunction, manifesting clinically as acrocyanosis, marked edema of the hands, palmar hyperkeratosis, fissures, non-healing ulcers, as well as anonychia. Cutaneous lesions in syringomyelia are accompanied by atrophic paresis of the hands, which together form a highly specific clinical picture. Identifying and managing these dermatological manifestations is crucial for preventing progression of the skin process and the development of complications. We present a clinical case of cutaneous and appendageal involvement in a patient with syringomyelia, followed by a review of the current literature on the topic.