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Imaging spectrum of spinal dysraphism: A diagnostic challenge


Mohit K. Shrivastva
Mousam Panigrahi

Abstract

Spinal dysraphism (SD) is a collective term for congenital malformations of the spine and spinal cord. It includes a wide range of  congenital anomalies resulting from aberrations in the stages of gastrulation, primary neurulation and secondary neurulation. Spinal  dysraphism may lead to neurological impairment of varying severity including weakness of the extremities, incontinence of bowel and  bladder, sexual dysfunction, among others. Diagnosis of SDs is quite challenging because of its wide spectrum and complex cascade of  embryologic events. Knowledge of normal embryology and proper understanding of imaging features of SD are important for early  accurate diagnosis.


Contribution: This series of five cases describes the imaging spectrum of spinal dysraphism and highlights the embryological basis for  their development, which could facilitate early correct diagnosis, surgical planning and reduced morbidity related to these  malformations. It also includes an extremely rare case of complex spinal dysraphism (Type II diastematomyelia with right  hemimyelomeningocoele and left hemilipomyelomeningocoele) with Chiari II malformation. 


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 2078-6778
print ISSN: 1027-202X