Segmental spinal cord hypoplasia and meningocele with preservation of medullary function: case report.
BACKGROUND
In very rare dysraphic cases, it is not clear whether the primary abnormalities are in the neural elements, or in the bony elements.


METHODS
We describe a case of segmental hypoplasia of the spinal cord, with absent nerve roots in the afflicted segments, and associated meningocele and vertebral abnormalities. We illustrate the arguments for and against the classification of this lesion either as an atypical case of myelomeningocele (MMC) or as a mild case of segmental spinal dysgenesis (SSD).


CONCLUSIONS
Possibly, in this exceptional case, the primary defect is in the neural tissue like in more usual cases of MMC and not in the spine, like in segmental spinal dysgenesis.
Buyse
Geert
G
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Van Calenbergh
Frank
F
Choux
Maurice
M
Demaerel
Philippe
P
Sciot
Raf
R
Verpoorten
Carla
C
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D008588:Meningocele / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016136:Spina Bifida Occulta / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery