A case of diastematomyelia associated with myeloschisis in a hemicord

Cervical Diastematomyelia: A Case Presentation and Systematic Review

Diastematomyelia is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the separation of the spinal cord by an osseocartilaginous or fibrous septum. While diastematomyelia has been reported to be more common in the thoracic and lumbar regions, the true incidence of cervical diastematomyelia is currently unknown. In this study, we conducted the most comprehensive systematic review to date of all other case reports of diastematomyelia to better characterize the incidence of cervical diastematomyelia and provide comprehensive statistics on the clinical characteristics of diastematomyelia generally. Ninety-one articles were included in our study, which comprised 252 males (27.9%) and 651 females (72.0%) (and one patient with unspecified gender). In 507 cases, the vertebral level of the diastematomyelia was described, and we recorded those levels as either cervical ( n  = 8, 1.6%), thoracic ( n  = 220, 43.4%), lumbar ( n  = 277, 54.6%), or sacral ( n  = 2, 0.4%). In 719 cases, the type of diastematomyelia was specified as either Type I ( n  = 482, 67.0%) or Type II ( n  = 237, 33.0%). Our study found that diastematomyelia has been reported in the cervical region in only 1.6% of cases, and we provide comprehensive data that this disorder occurs in female-to-male ratio of approximately 2.6:1 and Type I versus Type II diastematomyelia in an estimated ratio of 2:1.

Split cord malformation associated with congenital dermoid cyst and myeloschisis - case-based literature review on possible embryonic derivation and implications

Split cord malformation co-existing with either congenital dermoid or myeloschisis has been previously reported. Theories exist which explain the underlying embryopathy behind the occurrence of each of these anomalies in conjunction with split cord malformation. However, the occurrence of all three anomalies in the same patient, to the best of our knowledge, has not yet been reported in the literature. We report two cases on the co-existence of congenital dermoid cyst with both myeloschisis and split cord malformation and review the literature on previous postulations of mechanisms that could possibly explain the simultaneous occurrence of all three distinct anomalies. They involve all three primary germ layers and therefore share a common embryonic origin from the epiblast. We try to explain their co-existence based on the theory of notochordal splitting and endomesechymal tract formation consequent on endodermal-ectodermal adhesion as postulated by Beardmore and Wigglesworth and discuss on implications in terms of treatment paradigms. The unusual combination of all three anomalies in both patients probably highlights a need for further research on their pathogenesis despite these previous theories. These cases demonstrate the fact that currently accepted embryological explanations of most pathologies especially outliers still fall short with much remaining to be understood.

A Patient with a Type I Split Cord Malformation and an Open Myelomeningocele without Advanced Lower Limb Paresis: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

We report a rare case of a split cord malformation (SCM) combined with an open myelomeningocele (MMC) on the right hemicord. The patient was a male neonate, who exhibited an MMC in the lumbosacral region at birth. Both of his lower limbs moved with slight spasticity, but no atrophic changes or clubfoot deformities were seen. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a bony septum, and the patient was diagnosed with a type I SCM. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an MMC on the right hemicord (a hemimyelomeningocele). The repair of the open MMC and the removal of the septum were performed immediately to prevent infection and neurological deterioration. Intraoperatively, the right hemicord was thinner than the left hemicord. No additional neurological deficits or complications appeared during treatment. Our findings suggest that when a minor hemicord is affected by both an SCM and an open MMC, good functional outcomes of the lower limbs can be achieved.

Hemimyeloschisis associated with hydrocephalus

Hemimyeloschisis is a very rare congenital malformation of the spine which is characterized by a split cord malformation associated with complete exposureof the one hemicord to the exterior. We report a case of hemimyeloschisis on the right hemicord in a patient with hydrocephalus. The patient was a female neonate with myeloschisis, skin defect, and hypertrichosis visible at birth in the upper lumbar region. There was also skin defect around the myeloschisis. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a bony septum at the L2 level as well as the myeloschisis on the right hemicord, which enabled us to make a precise preoperative diagnosis of this rare malformation. There was also mild hydrocephalus in cranial CT scan. Closure of the myeloschisis and removal of the septum were successfully performed associated with the closure of the skin in one stage surgery to prevent subsequent infection and neurological deterioration. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion was performed for hydrocephalus. The presence of combined split cord malformation and myeloschisis is consistent with the hypothesis of an ontogenic basis of development. This combination also emphasizes the importance of early imaging for diagnosis in this complex malformation.

Aplasia cutis congenita associated with type I split cord malformation: Unusual case

A full-term newborn girl born with large skin, muscle, bone and dural defect in the lumbo-sacral area. The lesion included a split spinal cord by a perpendicular bony spur and connected from its tip to the upper lamina. Patient was diagnosed with aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) associated with type I split cord malformation (SCM). Neurological examination of the lower extremities was normal. Spinal X-rays showed a bony spur on the L2 vertebral column and laminar defect in the lumbo-sacral area. Lesion was operated and closed according to anatomic layers. Clinical and intraoperative findings of this extremely rare case are discussed.

Complex forms of spinal dysraphism

INTRODUCTION

Spinal dysraphisms are a heterogeneous group of congenital malformations involving the bony component of vertebrae or spinal cord or both. Simple forms include the contiguous, solitary malformations such as myelomeningocele and diastematomyelia, and can be either aperta or occulta type.

MATERIAL

Complex forms include various types of spinal malformations occurring in combination, one type of malformations occurring at multiple levels in noncontiguous manner or spinal dysraphisms with other organ anomalies. Anomalous development in gastrulation, primary neurulation, and secondary neurulation stage in variable proportions give rise to these types of complex malformations. These cases can be diagnosed postnatally in early infancy by the strong clinical suspicion, supplemented by whole spinal axis and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening, to detect any occult spinal dysraphisms like split cord malformations, neurenteric cyst, lipoma, or cranial anomalies like Chiari malformations and hydrocephalus. Computed tomography and MRI are the gold standard to detect bony anomalies and cord malformations, respectively. Complex spinal dysraphisms, to our mind, should always be tried to be corrected in single operative stage, however, in case of ruptured defects, correction through multiple operations can be considered.

DISCUSSION

Overall, prognosis of complex forms of spinal dysraphism is poor in comparison to their simple forms and depends on preoperative neurological status and the nature of complex dyraphism. We discuss the classification, embryogenesis, investigation, and treatment protocol with review of literature of such complex anomalies.

Myelomeningocele associated with split cord malformation type I -three case reports-

Three neonates presented with split cord malformation (SCM) associated with myelomeningocele (MMC), complicated with various coexisting anomalies. All patients were female and classified as SCM type I. All patients had a syrinx located rostral to the SCM. One patient had hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation causing serious respiratory problems. Two patients had partial hypertrichosis located close to the MMC, suggesting association with SCM. One patient had sacral hypoplasty and right kidney agenesis, suggesting that some embryologic errors may affect not only neural but also mesodermal development. All patients underwent surgical treatment for SCM after detailed evaluation and management of concomitant anomalies, and developed no new neurological deficits. Delayed surgery is an alternative treatment strategy for SCM in patients with both SCM and MMC with similar complications.

Split cord malformation associated with myelomeningocele

OBJECT

The coexistence of split cord malformations (SCMs) and myelomeningoceles (MMCs) can be misdiagnosed or ignored and can cause spinal cord tethering. The authors investigated cases involving the coexistence of SCMs and MMCs in patients from the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Tehran.

METHODS

Of the 330 patients with MMCs who underwent operations at the Children's Hospital Medical Center between January 2001 and June 2005, 33 (10%) had an associated SCM. These 33 cases were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (55%) were female, and the mean age of the patients at presentation was 2.9 months. In 17 of the 33 patients, the SCM occurred at the level of the neural placode. A Type I SCM was found in 26 children. Two patients had hypertrichosis. Eight patients had unilateral leg paresis. The MMC sac was located in the lumbar region in 14 cases. Two patients had double spinal dysraphism with meningoceles at the thoracic level. All patients underwent simultaneous repair of both lesions at the time of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MMCs, especially those with unusual manifestations such as unilateral paresis or skin lesions, should undergo a preoperative clinical examination to check for the presence of an SCM. Use of spinal magnetic resonance imaging can help in identifying the associated abnormalities. The neural placode and the rostral and caudal spinal cord segments should be carefully inspected for dysraphic lesions such as SCMs during the operation to repair the MMC. In this paper, the authors hope to show the wisdom of identifying these anomalies at the time of the initial repair of the MMC.

A case of split cord malformation associated with myeloschisis

INTRODUCTION

Split cord malformation (SCM) associated with myeloschisis is a very rare form of spinal dysraphism. We encountered a case of SCM associated with myeloschisis showing split neural placodes (hemicords) in the upper lumbar region.

RESULTS

Radiological examinations, including prenatal MRI and postnatal CT scan, clearly demonstrated a bony spur between the two hemicords as well as myeloschisis, which facilitated a precise preoperative diagnosis of this complex anomaly. Resection of the spur, closure of the myeloschisis, and untethering of the thickened filum terminale were successfully accomplished in one stage. The presence of SCM associated with myeloschisis is consistent with the hypothesis of an ontogenic basis of neural development, and we emphasize the importance of early imaging including prenatal MRI for diagnosing this complex anomaly.

Split spinal cord malformations: report of 22 cases and review of the literature

OBJECT

The aims of this study were to describe the embryological changes that drive the formation of a split spinal cord malformation, analyse the forms of presentation, evaluate the diagnostic procedures and discuss the indications for the different forms of therapy for each case.

METHODS

Clinical and radiological features of 22 cases of split spinal cord malformations (SSCM) are reported. Three groups of patients are considered: group a, patients with signs of tethered cord or scoliosis; group b, patients with midline cutaneous stigmata and group c, patients with a meningocele or meningomyelocele.

CONCLUSION

While CT scan is particularly useful for the evaluation of vertebral bodies and posterior arch abnormalities and spur characteristics in SSCM, MRI gives complementary information on the anatomy of spinal cord, dural sac, conus and filum terminale and permits the exclusion of associated lesions such as hydro-syringomyelia, dermal sinus or dermoid and epidermoid cysts. Surgery should be considered indicated in all cases of SSCM, even the asymptomatic ones, except in very badly handicapped meningomyelocele patients with nonprogressive disability and type II SSCM.