[Occult spinal dysraphism].
BACKGROUND
Spinal dysraphism is a group of congenital anomalies of the spine characterized by a midline defect affecting the nervous tissue and its bony and soft tissue coverings. Closed spinal dysraphism, spina bifida occulta, refers to skin-covered lesions. However, there are a number of cutaneous stigmata or other physical signs that serve as indicators of an underlying dysraphic malformation of the lower spinal canal.


METHODS
Based upon relevant literature, we present a review of occult spina bifida.


CONCLUSIONS
The cutaneous stigmata that may indicate an underlying dysraphism are particularly hairy patches, subcutaneous lipomas, capillary hemangiomas, dorsal dermal sinuses and sacral cutaneous pits. The clinical examination of a child with lumbosacral cutaneous stigmata should focus on neurological signs and symptoms, urological disturbances and orthopaedic deformities in the lower limbs. Spinal MRI is the imaging modality of choice in children presenting with features consistent with occult spinal dysraphism. Children with occult spinal dysraphism should be referred to a neurosurgical unit.
Meling
Torstein R
TR
Nevrokirurgisk avdeling Rikshospitalet 0027 Oslo. torstein.meling@rikshospitalet.no
Due-Tønnessen
Bernt J
BJ
Lundar
Tryggve
T
Helseth
Eirik
E
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D016136:Spina Bifida Occulta / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed