General
- Syrinx is CSF collection in spinal cord; Extra-axial CSF collection is the opposite
- These may be extradural or intradural
- May or may not have neural elements within their walls.
- Their cystic nature implies that a valve mechanism must be operating, whereby they fill more readily than they empty.
- Symptoms due to
- The resultant pressure may stimulate the adjacent meninges, producing local spinal pain.
- If nerve rootlets are involved radicular features may be present.
- Collections in the thoracic or cervical canal may cause
- A ‘hydraulic myelopathy’,
- Producing motor, sensory, and autonomic disturbances of varying degrees.
- Aetiology
- Remains unclear,
- Trauma, inflammation, and congenital defects
- Familial clustering has been reported with some and associations have been made with various collagen disorders.