Tethered cord syndrome in identical twins

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2009 Jan;151(1):85-8; discussion 88. doi: 10.1007/s00701-008-0170-8. Epub 2008 Dec 20.

Abstract

The diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) without typical conus medullaris symptoms and the radiological features such as a low set conus medullaris or dysraphic malformation is difficult. We report 11 year old identical twin brothers with TCS associated with the conus at the normal level. Their presenting symptom was progressive leg pain and both patients underwent surgical interruption of the filum terminale. The pain recurred in one patient treated surgically only after symptom became worse but resolved immediately in the other sibling treated promptly. We indicate the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of TCS to obtain excellent long-term outcome despite the absence of a low set conus or specific symptoms. Furthermore, when a twin or sibling of an affected person has neurological symptoms and the cutaneous signature of spinal dysraphism, radiological examination should be performed to establish the cause.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cauda Equina / abnormalities*
  • Cauda Equina / surgery*
  • Child
  • Diseases in Twins / diagnosis*
  • Diseases in Twins / physiopathology
  • Diseases in Twins / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Leg / innervation
  • Leg / physiopathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neural Tube Defects / diagnosis*
  • Neural Tube Defects / physiopathology
  • Neural Tube Defects / surgery*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Pain, Intractable / etiology*
  • Pain, Intractable / physiopathology
  • Reperfusion Injury
  • Spinal Cord Ischemia / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Spinal Dysraphism / complications
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Twins, Monozygotic