Spinal dysraphism: MR imaging rationale (original) (raw)

Imaging in spine and spinal cord malformations

European Journal of Radiology, 2004

Spinal and spinal cord malformations are collectively named spinal dysraphisms. They arise from defects occurring in the early embryological stages of gastrulation (weeks 2-3), primary neurulation (weeks 3-4), and secondary neurulation (weeks 5-6). Spinal dysraphisms are categorized into open spinal dysraphisms (OSDs), in which there is exposure of abnormal nervous tissues through a skin defect, and closed spinal dysraphisms (CSD), in which there is a continuous skin coverage to the underlying malformation. Open spinal dysraphisms basically include myelomeningocele and other rare abnormalities such as myelocele and hemimyelo(meningo)cele. Closed spinal dysraphisms are further categorized based on the association with low-back subcutaneous masses. Closed spinal dysraphisms with mass are represented by lipomyelocele, lipomyelomeningocele, meningocele, and myelocystocele. Closed spinal dysraphisms without mass comprise simple dysraphic states (tight filum terminale, filar and intradural lipomas, persistent terminal ventricle, and dermal sinuses) and complex dysraphic states. The latter category further comprises defects of midline notochordal integration (basically represented by diastematomyelia) and defects of segmental notochordal formation (represented by caudal agenesis and spinal segmental dysgenesis). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred modality for imaging these complex abnormalities. The use of the aforementioned classification scheme is greatly helpful to make the diagnosis.

Spinal Dysraphisms: A New Anatomical–Clinicoradiological Classification

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging

Background Spinal dysraphisms refer to the congenital abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord due to aberrations in the processes of gastrulation, primary neurulation, and secondary neurulation. Embryology of many complex spinal dysraphisms are yet poorly understood and there is no agreeable anatomical–clinicoradiological classification with inclusion of recently documented and complex spinal dysraphisms. Aims and Objectives The main objective of this study was to review the imaging features of spinal dysraphisms with a better understanding of embryological abnormalities and propose a new classification inclusive of all complex and unusual dysraphisms based on anatomical and clinicoradiological correlation. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective single institutional observational study of 391 cases of spinal dysraphism for 10 years in our institution. Of 391 cases included in the study, 204 were males and 187 were females. Also, 123 cases belonged to the 0–6 months age gr...

Spinal dysraphic anomalies; classification, presentation and management

Paediatrics and Child Health, 2014

Spinal dysraphism comprises an array of congenital anomalies of spinal cord development. Each of the dysraphic disorders can result in neurological, orthopaedic and urological dysfunction. This potentially confusing array of conditions is best understood from the embryological perspective. Whilst not all of these conditions are managed in the same way similar principles govern the initial investigation, multidisciplinary evaluation and long term follow up of these cases.

Segmental Spinal Dysgenesis: Neuroradiologic Findings with Clinical and Embryologic Correlation

1999

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Segmental spinal dysgenesis (SSD) is a rare congenital abnormality in which a segment of the spine and spinal cord fails to develop properly. Our goal was to investigate the neuroradiologic features of this condition in order to correlate our findings with the degree of residual spinal cord function, and to provide insight into the embryologic origin of this disorder. We also aimed to clarify the relationship between SSD and other entities, such as multiple vertebral segmentation defects, congenital vertebral displacement, and caudal regression syndrome (CRS).

Congenital Spine and Spinal Cord Malformations— Self-Assessment Module

American Journal of Roentgenology, 2010

Congenital abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord are referred to as spinal dysraphisms. This article reviews nor mal embryological development of the spine and spinal cord and the imaging findings of congenital abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord with particular focus on MRI. Conclusion Knowledge of the normal development of the spine and spinal cord provides a framework for understanding these complex entities.

Prenatal diagnosis of segmental spinal dysgenesis

Prenatal Diagnosis, 2007

A 20-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 0) was referred at 22 weeks and 3 days of gestation with bilateral talipes and a suspected spinal abnormality. The nuchal translucency assessed at 12 weeks and 3 days was 2.3 mm with a CRL (crown-rump length) of 59.8 mm giving an adjusted risk for Down syndrome of 1 : 825. The patient had an uneventful medical history, and no history of abdominal trauma was elicited. We performed a detailed 2D-3D ultrasound examination of the fetal anatomy. This confirmed the finding of bilateral talipes, and reduced movements across the knee joint on both sides were observed. In addition, complete disjunction of the thoracic and lumbar spine at the L1 and L2 level was seen ). There was no spina bifida or hemivertebra nor any evidence of Arnold Chiari malformation or further associated structural abnormalities.

Imaging spectrum of spinal dysraphism on magnetic resonance: A pictorial review

World journal of radiology, 2017

Congenital malformations of spine and spinal cord are collectively termed as spinal dysraphism. It includes a heterogeneous group of anomalies which result from faulty closure of midline structures during development. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now considered the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing these conditions. The purpose of this article is to review the normal development of spinal cord and spine and reviewing the MRI features of spinal dysraphism. Although imaging of spinal dysraphism is complicated, a systematic approach and correlation between neuro-radiological, clinical and developmental data helps in making the correct diagnosis.

Spinal Dysraphism; Frequency of Rare Cases of Spinal Dysmorphism in View of Mri Findings

THE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL JOURNAL, 2017

ORIGINAL PROF-3787 ABSTRACT… Introduction: MRI plays an important role in characterising spinal dysraphisms. The reason behind this is quality of MRI showing very high contrast resolution of soft tissues and the ability to detect fat in the lesion.T2 weighted images provide excellent contrast between the sub-arachnoid spaces and neural tissue while evaluating spinal dysraphisms. Objectives: To determine the frequency of rare disorders of spinal dysraphism in view of MRI findings of spinal dyspharism patients. Study Design: retrospective. Duration: the study was conducted from 1 st September 2015 to 30 th November 2015. Settings: Radiology department, Allied hospital Faisalabad. Methods: A total of 20 consecutive pediatric age group patients presented with clinical suspicion of spinal dysraphism were included. MRI L/S spine was carried out on 1.5Tesla Philips and diagnosis of various disorders of spinal dysraphism was made. Conclusion: MRI is the first choice examination for the detection of occult spinal dysraphism. Its timely diagnosis improving surgical & medical outcome as well as better & long term care of patients with spinal dysraphism. Majority of patients in the current study had tethered cord (75%), myelomeningocele (20%), myelocele (10%), lipomyelocele (10%) Dermal sinus tract (10%) & diastematomyelia (10%) followed by associated spinal lipomas (5%), caudal agenesis (5%) & anterior meningocele (5%).