Myelomeningocele with Associated Anomalies – Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Myelomeningocele is a common defect of the development of the neural tube. It is a complex congenital malformation of the central nervous system (CNS) that can be associated with other concurrent anomalies. We report on a case of lumbar myelomeningocele with concomitant CNS malformations we followed up over a period of 15 years. A concise literature review has also been performed. The current report illustrates that the myelomeningocele is a complex anomaly that is commonly associated with a variety of other CNS malformations such as hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation. It may follow chronic progressive course with exacerbation of clinical symptoms in the long term. Patients that have undergone surgical correction of this spinal defect should be closely monitored over a long period of time because of the possibility of clinical deterioration of the concomitant anomalies such as hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation and siryngomyelia.

Modern Aspects of Accurate Diagnosis of Neural Tube Defects

“…In the general population, the two methods complement each other, but in the presence of factors that put the pregnant woman at risk group, the fetal scan should be performed by a specialist with more experience in sonography. Despite the proven effectiveness of ultrasound, it can create some dilemmas in counseling, as detected malformations may be questioned as normal variants or transient findings ( 4 ).…”

Anterior Lumbosacral Myelomeningocele Presenting as an Abdominal Mass

“…The most common region of the spine affected is the lumbosacral area followed by the thoracic spine. 2 Myelomeningocele is categorized as a complex defect, associated with several concurrent clinical anomalies and varied clinical presentations, the most common of which are Arnold Chiari malformation II and hydrocephalus. Prenatal screening with alpha-fetoprotein, ultrasonography, and a visible bulge on the back is used to diagnose the condition.…”