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Klin Padiatr
DOI: 10.1055/a-2744-7399
Short Communication

Chiari Malformation Type I with Compression of the Cervical Myelon as a Cause of Laryngomalacia

Chiari-Malformation Typ 1 mit Kompression des zervikalen Myelons als Ursache für Laryngomalazie

Authors

  • Anna Pauly

    1   Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN39081)

  • Mathis Steindor

    1   Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN39081)

  • Adela Della Marina

    2   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuromuscular Disorders in Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN39081)

  • Heike Kölbel

    2   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuromuscular Disorders in Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN39081)

  • Philipp Dammann

    3   Department of Neurosurgery and Spinal Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN39081)

  • Marcel Opitz

    4   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN39081)

  • Florian Stehling

    1   Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN39081)
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Introduction

Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) is a congenital anomaly characterized by herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, often resulting in obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow and compression of the cervical spinal cord. Common clinical features include occipital headache, ataxia, dysphagia, dysarthria and central sleep apnea due to compression of brainstem structures. Diagnosis is typically confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrating a cerebellar tonsil descent of more than 5 mm below the foramen magnum (Saletti et al., Neurol Sci. 2021; 42(12): 4965–4995). Treatment is guided by symptom severity with suboccipital decompression being the standard approach in symptomatic patients (Hidalgo et al., World Neurosurg. 2018; 117: e544–e551). We present a unique pediatric case of CM-I with compression of the cervical spinal cord and lower cranial nerves manifesting as laryngomalacia, a condition classically seen in infants involving inspiratory collapse of supraglottic structures, which resolved following neurosurgical decompression.



Publication History

Received: 29 July 2025

Accepted after revision: 11 November 2025

Article published online:
23 December 2025

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