Intramedullary spinal cord abscess: A grave complication of a dermal sinus tract

Abstract

Congenital dermal sinus tracts are an uncommon form of spinal dysraphism. If identified and treated early, outcomes are favourable. If missed, complications can be significant. Intramedullary spinal cord abscess is a rare but catastrophic complication. We report the case of an infantile patient with an intramedullary spinal cord abscess occurring 2-months post treatment for a coliform meningitis with an unidentified dermal sinus tract. We examined the literature on the investigation and management of dermal sinus tracts and conclude that all cases of unexplained, atypical meningitis in an infant should trigger suspicion for an underlying dermal sinus tract. In such cases, an MRI scan of the neuroaxis should be performed urgently. Keywords: syrinx; dimple; meningitis; dysraphism.