Gall stone pancreatitis in a syringomyelia patient: case report and historical review

Abstract

Syringomyelia is a rare neurological disorder generally regarded as chronic, characterized by slowly progressing fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) forms within the spinal cord. Here we describe the historical review of a patient suffering from syringomyelia for the past 16 years and present gastric condition- gall stone induced pancreatitis. A quadriparetic female patient who had previously undergone surgical treatment for syringomyelia with the early signs including muscle weakness and wasting (atrophy), loss of reflexes, loss of sensitivity to pain and temperature and also stiffness in back, shoulders, spinal curvature (scoliosis) presenting complains of multiple episodes of hematemesis and severe constipation since 5 days. Ultrasonography imaging and laboratory investigations revealed gallbladder stone induced acute pancreatitis also associated. The patient underwent multiple surgical interventions for syrinx removal and associated surgical complications were managed adequately. Currently, the pancreatitis was managed by laparoscopic corrections. Postoperatively, there was a prompt resolution of pancreatitis and associated gastric symptoms. In conclusion, early diagnosis of syringomyelia with magnetic resonance imaging is critical in the prophylaxis of spinal cord compression and potential neurologic injury. Surgical interventions are recommended in symptomatic cases. This case report describes clinical manifestations and management of acute pancreatitis in a chronic sufferer of syringomyelia.