Chiari malformation type I in pregnant women, case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chiari malformation is a rare congenital or acquired neurological disorder, characterized by the displacement of the rhombencephalic structures towards the spinal canal below the level of the foramen magnum; The frequency and progression that can occur during pregnancy are unknown, since there are changes during labor that can predispose to brainstem herniation with spinal cord compression; which poses a therapeutic challenge since there are no unified recommendations about the moment of delivery, delivery route and the best anesthetic technique in these patients CLINICAL CASE: A 24-year-old patient, G1P0 with a 34-week pregnancy, consulted the emergency room of the Hospital Universitario de la Samaritana, due to a clinical profile of headache with warning signs; to the study of cerebral magnetic resonance with a finding of Chiari type I malformation. In order to limit the Valsalva maneuvers during labor, a caesarean section was performed at term under neuraxial anesthesia without complications with a healthy newborn. CONCLUSION: Chiari malformation type I during pregnancy is rare. Patients diagnosed prior to pregnancy condition a follow-up in which the indication for neurosurgical treatment prior to conception is assessed. During pregnancy, no single method of termination or anaesthesia can be recommended and medical care should be provided by a multidisciplinary team formulating an individualized care plan to improve maternal and fetal outcome. © 2023 Asociacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia. All rights reserved.