Unusual Spinal Dysraphic Lesions

Jose Roberto Tude Melo,Pollyana Pacheco,Luiz Eduardo Wanderley

doi:10.1155/2013/210301

Abstract

Human tail and multiple spinal dysraphism are unusual congenital malformations. Human tail appeared as a prominent lesion from the lumbosacrococcygeal region, generally without connection between the tail and the neurospinal axis. Spinal dysraphisms are usually isolated, reaching 0.038% of incidence of multiple spinal dysraphisms in the same child. There were three cases described of unusual spinal dysraphic lesions: two cases of human tail and a case of a multiple thoracic myelomeningocele. The literature about diagnosis and treatment was reviewed. Microsurgical technique was performed to provide better exploration of the lesions, and resection could be done in those congenital malformations, without morbidity.

Highlights

IntroductionThe neural tube closure occurs through intersection of waves (at least five) which comes from different spots of the craniospinal axis [1]
The neural tube closure occurs through intersection of waves which comes from different spots of the craniospinal axis [1]
Normal neurological exams and lumbosacral magnetic resonance image (MRI) were performed and confirmed spinal dysraphism associated with intradural lipoma (Figures 2(a) and 2(b))

Summary

Introduction

The neural tube closure occurs through intersection of waves (at least five) which comes from different spots of the craniospinal axis [1]. The human tail is a rare congenital dysraphic anomaly, with prominent lesion from the lumbosacrococcygeal region [2] and, sometimes, with intradural components, that is why the magnetic resonance image (MRI) is mandatory during diagnosis investigation [3]. Regarding myelomeningocele (MM), the literature about the subject assumes that it is formed by a compromising of the union between the fourth and fifth wave [1], usually isolated, being of 0.038% the incidence of multiples spinal dysraphism [4]. Three unusual cases of spinal dysraphism are described here: two infantile cases of human tail and a newborn with a multiple thoracic MM. The families and caregivers have agreed and authorized the publishing of all cases

Case 1

Case 2

Case 3

Findings

Discussion

Conclusions