Arnold Chiari Malformation - A hospital based autopsy study

In Arnold Chiari II malformation the cerebellar tonsils are displaced inferiorly through the Foramen Magnum into the upper cervical spinal canal. It is a complex anomaly with skull, dura, brain, spine and cord manifestations. This study was conducted on 400 fetuses obtained from department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh. Arnold Chiari malformation was noted in 10 out of 300 (3.33%) fetal autopsy cases. All cases were associated with meningomylocele. In our study we found that 7 cases were showing cerebellar tonsilla rectopia and 3case of type II. Arnold Chiari Malformations can be prevented by preconceptional folic acid and Vitamin B 12 supplementation.