Double Split Cord Malformations in a Child: Types I and II at 2 Different Levels in the Same Route: Report of a Rare Case

Spinal split cord malformations (SSCMs) are thought to be originated from an error that causes splitting of the notochord during gastrulation period, in which the formation of an accessory neurenteric canal between the yolk sac and amnion cavity takes place. Herein, we reported a 1-month-old boy who had both type II SSCM with meningocele at Th2-4 level and type I SSCM at Th10-12 level. Between those 2 malformations there was a normally developed spinal cord. Lesions were surgically corrected with good cosmetic and neurological outcome. There have been divergent suggestions on these pathologies. Although the multisite closure model of the neural tube may be used for explanation of these multiple neural tube defects, this theory alone cannot explain the nature and mechanism of development of such developmental defects of the neural tube. The aim of this study is to understand the embryological changes that cause the formation of a composite split spinal cord malformation. The idea of temporally different unexpected events that may cause developmental defects at different levels while other segments continue to neurulate normally seems appropriate to explain the multiple midline closure defects.
Source: Neurosurgery Quarterly - Category: Neurosurgery Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research