The utility of poly(somno)graphy in evaluating children with Chiari malformation type II before and after surgical intervention: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Children with Chiari Malformation type II (CM-II) have an increased risk of sleep apnoea. The aim of the study was to describe the management of patients with CM-II in relation to sleep apnoea syndrome, clinical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

CASE SERIES PRESENTATION: The paper reports 8 consecutive patients with CM-II followed between September 2013 and April 2017. The prevalence of sleep apnoea syndrome was high with 6 out of 8 patients having mild-to-severe sleep apnoea. Patients with severe sleep apnoea syndrome (3 patients) were treated with upper airway surgery and/or noninvasive ventilation.

CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the importance of respiratory polygraphy in the management of patients with CM-ΙΙ. Poly(somno)graphy is recommended in the follow-up care of children with CM-II.