Arnold-Chiari malformation diagnostic study of choice
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.
Overview
MRI is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of Arnold Chiari malformation. Cerebellar tonsillar herniation, wedge shaped tonsils, syringohydromyelia, small posterior fossa, obstructive hydrocephalus, and brainstem anomalies.
Diagnostic Study of Choice
Study of choice
MRI is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of Arnold Chiari malformation.[1][2]
Diagnostic results
The following findings on performing MRI are confirmatory for Arnold Chiari malformation:
- Cerebellar tonsillar herniation
- Wedge shaped tonsils
- Syringohydromyelia
- Small posterior fossa
- Obstructive hydrocephalus
- Brainstem anomalies
Sequence of Diagnostic Studies
The various investigations must be performed in the following order:
Diagnostic criteria
There are no established criteria for the diagnosis of Arnold Chiari malformation.
References
- ↑ Meadows, Jeffery; Kraut, Michael; Guarnieri, Michael; Haroun, Raymond I.; Carson, Benjamin S. (2000). “Asymptomatic Chiari Type I malformations identified on magnetic resonance imaging”. Journal of Neurosurgery. 92 (6): 920–926. doi:10.3171/jns.2000.92.6.0920. ISSN 0022-3085.
- ↑ Pillay, Prem K.; Awad, Issam A.; Little, John R.; Hahn, Joseph F. (1991). “Symptomatic Chiari Malformation in Adults: A New Classification Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Clinical and Prognostic Significance”. Neurosurgery. 28 (5): 639–645. doi:10.1227/00006123-199105000-00001. ISSN 0148-396X.
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH