Syringobulbia associated with posterior fossa meningioma: a review of the literature

PURPOSE: Syringomyelia can be defined as a degenerative, progressive and chronic spinal cord disease. Its association with tumors of the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) is a rare condition. METHODS: The authors report a rare case of syringobulbia consequent to a meningioma originating from PCF in a 17-year-old female, discussing the pathogenetic mechanism of development and the resolution of the syrinx cavity after surgical procedure. RESULTS: The postoperative period was uneventful without complications. At 6-month follow-up, MRI revealed complete tumor removal with resolution of the syrinx cavity. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of syringomyelia and tonsillar herniation associated with PCF meningioma, the tumor resection allows to eliminate the mass effect and increases the size of the posterior fossa with the progressive ascent of the cerebellar tonsils and the consequent reduction of their downward movement with systolic pulsation. The re-establishment of a normal anatomical condition led to the gradual disappearance of syrinx and hydrocephalus.