A small syrinx at C4 and C5 level

CASE HISTORY

P V SOMAYJULU                      Age 69

Had IHD in the year 1977 (T wave inversion in V1 to V6) No complications since then
Had mild Hypertension  in the year 1980   (under control)
Had prediabetes in the year 2010  (IFG)    (under control)
Had subclinical hypothyroidsm in 2011
Mild prostatomegaly in 2012                                                                          

Medicines now being used
Heart * (from the year 1977)

STAMLO BETA                50 MG            1 Tab a day ( Initally Inderal( 77-81), then
                                                             Aten 50 and stamlo 5 mg (81-2006) and  then                                    
                                                             Stamlobeta 50 mg (2006 to date)                                                
ISMO                              10 MG         One tab  Twice  a day                      Since  1996
Tg Tor                              50 MG            One tab Once a day after dinner       since 1996
ASA                                50 MG         One  tab  a day after dinner               since 1991
Type   II diabets
GLYCOMET                    250 MG           1/2   Tab twice a day                 since Oct’ 2010
Sub clinical Hypothyroidism
THYRONORM                 50 MCG          One tab once a day                    since July’2011
   Prostin   2 tabs      (Homeo)    twice a day               since Oct’2011
recently undergone MRI cervical spine, for cervical spondylosis. In that  the doctor observed a small syrinx at C4 and C5 level in the size of a small rice grain.He asked me to undergo a contrast mri to see if it is a cyst or tumor. I used to have burning sensation in ribs , hands and legs even in the year 1976 when i have taken pain killer, it subsided. I feel this cyst must have been there even from that time. As such can i wait for 3 more months and go for another mri or shall i simply forget   this as this asymptomatic

[Praveen Nath, MD]

Dear soms1942,

Thanks for the query.

Regarding the presence of syrinx at the level of C5-C6, possibilities could be related to cervical spondylosis (myelomalacia), undiagnosed syrinx since birth and rarely tumors. However, tumors in this region are rare in this age group.

As you are asymptomatic, a follow up scan at 3-6 months with contrast is a better option. If you notice any new symptoms, then an immediate scan is advised.

So I personally feel that you should go for a follow up scan with contrast after 3-6 months rather than going for a repeat scan at this point of time. However, please consult a physician to rule out cord compression (by cervical spondylosis) which would require immediate attention.  

I thank you again for the query. I hope you found my response to be helpful and informative. If you have any additional concerns I would be happy to address them.

Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.

Best Regards,
Dr. Praveen K Nath

[vedanth1942]

Dear Doctor,
I thank you very much for your prompt and kind reply. i shall follow your advice. One doubt is as i am taking many medicines for many ailments, does this contrast interfere or will have interaction with them. Kindly advise.I personally feel that i do not want to meddle with this as i am laready 70 year old. Do doctors suggest surgery if at all it is necessary for the elderly people like me.If not what  will be my live in period with this syrinx.?is this a seryngo bulbia or syringomalacia or syringomeylia?