Composite type of split cord malformation: two different types at three different levels

Abstract

The authors report on a child with a composite type of split cord malformation (SCM). The patient presented with symptoms of a common cold. The diagnosis of SCM was made based on computerized tomography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of whole spinal axis. The SCM was Type I at T-4 and T-5 and Type II at T-12, according to the classification developed by Pang. The child underwent resection of the splitting lesions and terminal filum release. No case of composite-type SCM reported to date contains documentation of such a malformation. Because of the possible neurological and urological problems, the authors recommend MR imaging of the whole spine be performed during/an evaluation for SCM.