Spontaneous Resolution of Diffuse Idiopathic Slit-Like “Syrinx” in a Pediatric Patient

It is important to recognize that a prominent central canal of the spinal cord can be a normal variant and can spontaneously regress. A five-year-old male presented for evaluation of abnormal gait. Prior brain magnetic resonance imaging showed no hindbrain malformation, and the patient had no history of trauma. Full spine magnetic resonance imaging showed a vertical slit-like linear cavity within the center of the spinal cord, from C6-7 to the conus medullaris with a diameter ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm. This was initially reported as a syrinx. The patient’s symptoms remained stable. Three years later, follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed spontaneous resolution of the slit-like cavity. This case likely represented a prominent central canal (a normal variant) that underwent normal closure.