Spinal Dysraphism- A Histopathological Study of 45 Cases

Abstract

Introduction: Dysraphic conditions of spine resulting from non closure of the neural groove, consists of different types of malformations and they are called spina bifida, which have been classified into several types. Myelomeningocele (MMC) and Meningocele (MC) come under spina bifida cystica. Aim: To review the clinical and pathological findings of congenital spinal dysraphism and discuss the pathological diagnosis Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional type of study was conducted in 45 cases of spinal dysraphism during the period from October 2012 to February 2016, in the Department of Pathology of a tertiary care hospital, Hyderabad, India. Cases which were diagnosed as spinal dysraphism by clinical and radiological examination, tissue specimens were sent to the department of pathology along with clinical and radiological findings. Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining was done in all cases, followed by detailed microscopic study of slides. Histopathological findings such as epithelial, mesodermal, neuroectodermal changes were elucidated in detail and findings were compared with literature. Results: In a total of 45 cases there were 30 cases of MMC, nine cases of MC and six cases of encephalocele. Loss of epidermal appendages were seen in 91% of cases and neuropil like matrix was present in 76% cases. Conclusion: The embryogenesis of spina bifida involves ectoderm, neuroectoderm and mesoderm. A detailed definition of histopathological aspects will help in understanding these anomalies and should be a part of a detailed histopathology report.