Authors :
W. Chitra; K. J. Nalini
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/bd6eub5k
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/3k5evrvp
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar466
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Chiari malformation comprises a heterogeneous group of congenital anomalies involving the cerebellum,
brainstem, and craniocervical junction, characterized by caudal herniation of cerebellar structures, with or without
involvement of the medulla, through the foramen magnum into the spinal canal. These defects are associated with significant
perinatal morbidity and mortality, contributing to the burden of congenital anomalies in the community. Early identification
through systematic antenatal screening is essential to ensure timely referral, appropriate counselling and continuity of care.
Routine prenatal ultrasonography remains a primary, non-invasive modality for early detection, particularly in resourcelimited settings where community health nurses play a pivotal role in antenatal surveillance, risk identification and health
education. This case report describes a primigravida at 22 weeks of gestation who presented to an antenatal clinic, where
ultrasonography revealed findings suggestive of fetal Chiari malformation. The case underscores the importance of
strengthening community-based antenatal services, improving awareness among expectant mothers, and enhancing the role
of nursing professionals in early diagnosis and referral systems to reduce adverse fetal outcomes.
References :
- Jesus Igor Iruretagoyena , Barbara Trampe, Dinesh Shah (2010). Prenatal diagnosis of Chiari malformation with syringomyelia in the second trimester. Journal of maternal fetal neonatal medicine Feb;23(2):184-6. doi: 10.3109/14767050903061769.
- Mueller DM, Oro' J. (2005) Chiari I malformation with or without syringomyelia and pregnancy: case studies and review of the literature. American Journal of perinatology Feb;22(2):67-70
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Chiari-Malformation-Fact-Sheet, "Chiari Malformation Fact Sheet", NINDS, Publication date June 2017. NIH Publication No. 17-NS-4839
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Chiari-Malformation-Fact-Sheet, "Chiari Malformation Fact Sheet", NINDS, Publication date June 2017. NIH Publication No. 17-NS-4839
- Rebecca C Knickmeyer,1,* Samantha Meltzer-Brody, and et.al (2014). Rate of Chiari I Malformation in Children of Mothers with Depression with and without Prenatal SSRI Exposure. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2014 Oct; 39(11): 2611–2621. Published online 2014 Jun 11. Prepublished online 2014 May 20. doi: 10.1038/npp.2014.114
- Sadineni Raghu T, Santh Kumar B, Praful kumar K, Chandra Sekhar K, Chander BN, Boppana Durga Mahita(2017). Prenatal sonographic evaluation of Arnold Chiari II Malformation. International Journal of Medical Research Rev 5(01):88-95. doi:10.17511/ijmrr.2017.i01.13
Chiari malformation comprises a heterogeneous group of congenital anomalies involving the cerebellum,
brainstem, and craniocervical junction, characterized by caudal herniation of cerebellar structures, with or without
involvement of the medulla, through the foramen magnum into the spinal canal. These defects are associated with significant
perinatal morbidity and mortality, contributing to the burden of congenital anomalies in the community. Early identification
through systematic antenatal screening is essential to ensure timely referral, appropriate counselling and continuity of care.
Routine prenatal ultrasonography remains a primary, non-invasive modality for early detection, particularly in resourcelimited settings where community health nurses play a pivotal role in antenatal surveillance, risk identification and health
education. This case report describes a primigravida at 22 weeks of gestation who presented to an antenatal clinic, where
ultrasonography revealed findings suggestive of fetal Chiari malformation. The case underscores the importance of
strengthening community-based antenatal services, improving awareness among expectant mothers, and enhancing the role
of nursing professionals in early diagnosis and referral systems to reduce adverse fetal outcomes.
