With the advancement of MRI technology, individuals are being diagnosed with very small syrinxes that we were unable to detect in years prior. Some people will be told they have a slit-like syrinx or dilated central canal. These are generally 1-2 mm wide in diameter and are often described as a “nonexpansile” syrinx. To understand why this small cavity is present, a review of normal anatomy is helpful.
The spinal cord forms as a tube. On the inside of the tube is a small fluid cavity called the central canal. This disappears during development or during infancy. When the central canal does not completely close, a small leftover of the canal can be seen on MRI and is referred to as a “persistent central canal”. A radiology report may contain the phrase “a small syrinx versus a persistent central canal”. A repeat MRI may be recommended in order to determine a definite diagnosis. This often causes stress for the person waiting and hoping for a concrete diagnosis.
Our current understanding leads us to recommend that if the dilation of the central canal is not associated with any other known cause of a syrinx (such as the Chiari malformation, a tethered spinal cord, or tumor) it is likely to be a benign finding that will not cause any symptoms and is not likely to grow or enlarge. To make sure, a follow up MRI is usually ordered. In cases where an underlying condition known to be associated with syrinx formation is present (such as a Chiari malformation) or if repeated imaging shows a change in the dilation, then it is more likely to be a true syrinx that should be evaluated and monitored accordingly.
