Idiopathic localized hydromyelia: Dilatation of the central canal of the spinal cord of probable congenital origin

Three adult patients are reported with asymptomatic localized widening of t he central canal of the spinal cord. These patients were followed for a per iod of 2-4 years by imaging and/or clinical history and physical examinatio n without evidence of signs or symptoms related to the spinal cord. This co ndition probably represents persistence into adult life of a fetal configur ation of the central canal of the spinal cord. This process may be termed " idiopathic localized hydromyelia" to distinguish it from syringomyelia seco ndary to such causes as Chiari malformation, trauma, infection, or neoplasm .