Cystic angiomatosis of the craniocervical junction associated with Chiari I malformation: case report and review of the literature

Childs Nerv Syst. 2007 Jun;23(6):697-700. doi: 10.1007/s00381-006-0274-5. Epub 2007 Jan 12.

Abstract

Introduction: Cystic angiomatosis of the skull and spine is an exceptionally rare, benign vascular lesion. Both the vertebral bones and the skull may be affected. Diagnosis and treatment of this disease is multidisciplinary.

Discussion: Histological examination is ultimately required to make a diagnosis. When the craniocervical junction is involved, the site of biopsy should be carefully selected so as to reduce procedure-related morbidity, including cerebrospinal fluid leakage and spinal deformity. We present a case report of a 4-year-old boy with cystic angiomatosis of the skull base and upper cervical spine associated with a Chiari I malformation and provide a review of the pertinent literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiomatosis / complications*
  • Angiomatosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Angiomatosis / surgery
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / complications*
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / diagnostic imaging
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / surgery
  • Atlanto-Axial Joint
  • Bone Cysts / complications*
  • Bone Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Cysts / surgery
  • Cervical Vertebrae
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymphangioma / complications*
  • Lymphangioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphangioma / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Spinal Diseases / complications*
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Diseases / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome