Syringomyelia as a cause of body hypertrophy

Background Among 26 patients with communicating syringomyelia who came to our out-patient clinic from April, 1989, to March, 1995, three (11·5%) had hypertrophy in limbs, hands, or feet. One had crossed hypertrophy. We considered the possibility that syringomyelia caused body hypertrophy. Methods We searched MEDLINE for articles which mention body asymmetry or hypertrophy, and examined the findings in our own patients. Findings The site of hypertrophy in our three patients coincided with the site of the neurological and magnetic resonance imaging findings. In addition, the horizontal and vertical location of the syrinx corresponded with the site of all four hypertrophic limbs. We located ten articles in which a diagnosis of syringomyelia was made, and five in which other diagnoses were made. Interpretation From studying our patients as well as those previously reported, we speculate that some types of body hypertrophy are due to damage, accompanied by stimulation, of the sympathetic neurons in the ipsilateral lateral horn of the spinal cord. Although there are many causes of hypertrophy, we suggest that the possibility of syringomyelia be investigated in patients with body hypertrophy, especially in those with any accompanying neurological abnormality.