Background <p>Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) is a neurological disorder characterized by cerebellar tonsillar herniation and is often associated with syringomyelia. Posterior fossa decompression (PFD) is the primary treatment, although the optimal extent of decompression remains a topic of debate. Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) offers real-time visualization to support informed surgical decision-making. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of IOUS-guided surgery in CM-I.</p> Methods <p>This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and searched the literature up to July 5, 2025. Studies that utilized IOUS and reported related outcomes were included. A random-effects meta-analysis was employed to pool proportions, and a meta-regression analysis was conducted to explore heterogeneity.</p> Results <p>Twenty-one non-randomized observational studies, including 1,576 patients, 54.4% of whom were female, were included. The pooled clinical improvement rate was 88% (95% CI: 81%–93%), and the syrinx improvement/resolution rate was 87% (95% CI: 77%–95%). The pooled reoperation rate was 6% (95% CI: 3%–9%), and the complication rate was 6% (95% CI: 3%–8%). Meta-regression revealed that longer disease duration, motor/sensory deficits, and duraplasty were associated with improved syrinx outcomes.</p> Conclusion <p>IOUS-guided surgery in CM-I is linked to positive clinical and radiological improvements and low complication rates. IOUS can serve as a helpful tool for customizing decompression during CM-I surgery. Larger, prospective, multi-center studies are needed to confirm these findings.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Intraoperative ultrasonography in the surgical management of Chiari I malformation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes and applications

  • Bardia Hajikarimloo,
  • Ibrahim Mohammadzadeh,
  • Mohammad Amin Habibi,
  • Salem M. Tos,
  • Haris Yaseen,
  • Nathan Chisvo,
  • Mohammadmahdi Sabahi,
  • Qais Alrashidi,
  • Badih Adada,
  • Hamid Borghei-Razavi

摘要

Background

Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) is a neurological disorder characterized by cerebellar tonsillar herniation and is often associated with syringomyelia. Posterior fossa decompression (PFD) is the primary treatment, although the optimal extent of decompression remains a topic of debate. Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) offers real-time visualization to support informed surgical decision-making. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of IOUS-guided surgery in CM-I.

Methods

This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and searched the literature up to July 5, 2025. Studies that utilized IOUS and reported related outcomes were included. A random-effects meta-analysis was employed to pool proportions, and a meta-regression analysis was conducted to explore heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty-one non-randomized observational studies, including 1,576 patients, 54.4% of whom were female, were included. The pooled clinical improvement rate was 88% (95% CI: 81%–93%), and the syrinx improvement/resolution rate was 87% (95% CI: 77%–95%). The pooled reoperation rate was 6% (95% CI: 3%–9%), and the complication rate was 6% (95% CI: 3%–8%). Meta-regression revealed that longer disease duration, motor/sensory deficits, and duraplasty were associated with improved syrinx outcomes.

Conclusion

IOUS-guided surgery in CM-I is linked to positive clinical and radiological improvements and low complication rates. IOUS can serve as a helpful tool for customizing decompression during CM-I surgery. Larger, prospective, multi-center studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Graphical Abstract