Spinal Dysraphism: A Three Year Experience at Armed Forces Institute of Radiology and Imaging

Abstract

Objective: To review all the patients of spinal dysraphism referred to our center over a three year period in order to identify the most typical neuro-radiological appearances on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Radiology and Imaging, Rawalpindi from Jan 2016 to Dec 2018.

Methodology: MR spine reports of 144 patients of spinal dysraphism were retrospectively analyzed. Age, gender, indication for MRI, operative status, and neuro-radiological features (including site and type of lesion) were recorded for these patients.

Results: Congenital spinal malformations were more frequent among females87 (60.4%) and between 0-20 years 135 (93.9%) of age. Tethered cord 97 (67.4%) was the most common congenital spinal abnormality followed by spina bifida, diastematomyelia, vertebral segmentation anomalies, myelomeningocele, menigocele. Lip-myelomeningocele, lipoma of filum terminale, and sacral agenesis. Frequently observed associated abnormalities included scoliosis 61 (42.4 %), syrinx 47 (32.6%) and dural ectasia 40 (27.8 %).

Conclusion: Congenital spinal malformations are usually complex with variable radiological appearances. Modern high resolution MRI screening is the examination of choice for identification, preoperative evaluation, and long term follow up of such congenital anomalies.