Extradural anaesthesia for Caesarean section in a patient with syringomyelia and Chiari type I anomaly

We describe elective Caesarean section performed under extradural anaesthesia in a parturient with symptomatic syringomyelia and coexisting Chiari type I anomaly. Syringomyelia is reviewed and the anaesthetic implications of the condition discussed. Anaesthesia should be directed primarily at avoidance of increased intracranial pressure, which can cause sudden deterioration in these patients.