Chiari II malformation is closely associated with spina bifida. Which statement is true?

Chiari II malformation is closely associated with spina bifida. Which statement is true?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not mentioned
• D. Rarely occurs

Answer: (A)

Chiari II malformation is a hindbrain abnormality that almost always accompanies open spina bifida (myelomeningocele). The typical picture is downward displacement of the cerebellar vermis and brainstem through the foramen magnum, often with a small posterior fossa and a high likelihood of hydrocephalus. This strong association with open spina bifida reflects the shared disruption in neural tube closure and CSF dynamics that characterizes these conditions. Because spina bifida occulta or closed spinal dysraphisms rarely show Chiari II changes, the statement that Chiari II is closely associated with spina bifida is true.

Chiari II malformation is a hindbrain abnormality that almost always accompanies open spina bifida (myelomeningocele). The typical picture is downward displacement of the cerebellar vermis and brainstem through the foramen magnum, often with a small posterior fossa and a high likelihood of hydrocephalus. This strong association with open spina bifida reflects the shared disruption in neural tube closure and CSF dynamics that characterizes these conditions. Because spina bifida occulta or closed spinal dysraphisms rarely show Chiari II changes, the statement that Chiari II is closely associated with spina bifida is true.