Cerebral and spinal MR-findings in patients with postrepair myelomeningocele

Pediatr Radiol. 1990;20(4):262-6. doi: 10.1007/BF02019662.

Abstract

In 114 patients with postrepair myelomeningocele MRI of the spine was performed. Tethered cord (89%) and associated malformations (syrinx, lipoma etc.) (33%) were the most important findings. Additional MRI scans of the head (44 patients) revealed numerous further anomalies. Arnold Chiari malformation was found in 76% of the patients (ACM I:32%, ACM II:44%). In the ACM II group compression of lower cranial nerves, brain stem, and cerebellum can lead to considerable neurologic symptoms. Therefore in patients with progressive neurologic dysfunction a complete investigation of the whole spine and brain is necessary. MRI proves to be the diagnostic procedure of choice in patients with dysraphic myelodysplasia.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain / abnormalities*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Meningomyelocele / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Tube Defects / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord / abnormalities*
  • Spinal Cord / pathology