Cervicothoracic syringomyelia caused by cervical spinal stenosis: Case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Syringomyelia is commonly associated with Chiari malformations, spinal trauma, arachnoiditis, or tumors. However, rarely, cervical canal stenosis is implicated in intramedullary cavitations. CASE DISCRIPTION: Here, we report the case of a 60-year-old male patient who presented with loss of pain and temperature sensation in upper extremities associated with a spastic tetraparesis. On magnetic resonance imaging, the patient was found to have syringomyelia extending from C1 to Th3. Following posterior decompressive surgery, the syrinx resolved along with the patient's neurological complaints. CONCLUSION: Here, the authors presented a case and reviewed the literature regarding how cervical spinal stenosis may contribute to cervical or thoracic syringomyelia.