title: Terminal Myelocystocele:an unusual presentation.
abstract: Terminal myelocystocele is an unusual form of occult spinal dysraphism. It consists of a cystic dilatation of a low-lying terminal cord herniated posteriorly through a skin-covered lumbosacral spina bifida. An arachnoid-lined meningocele, continuous with the spinal subarachnoid space, is traversed by the hydromyelic cord. Clinically, this presents with a skin-covered lumbosacral mass, but often no neurological deficit is present. We present a case of terminal myelocystocele in a child born without deficit and without an obvious back mass. Diagnosis was delayed until sphincter disturbance and lower limb inequalities developed. We discuss the presentation, imaging and operative findings in this case.
authors.affiliation: Division of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Child Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cartmill
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jaspan
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Punt
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D001745:Urinary Bladder Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery