Cervical spina bifida cystica: MRI differentiation of the subtypes in children.
BACKGROUND
Cervical spinal dysraphism is a rare condition with only 37 cases reported in the literature, of which only seven patients had undergone preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).


OBJECTIVE
By using illustrative cases, we demonstrate the value of MRI in distinguishing the two different subtypes of cervical spinal dysraphism, namely, myelocystocele and meningocele.


METHODS
Retrospective review of the MRI scans of six patients with cervical (one high thoracic) posterior cystic swellings, which were diagnosed as cervical dysraphism, was done.


RESULTS
Three patients were diagnosed with myelocystocele and three patients with meningocele. A comparison of MRI features between the two entities, as well as the associated anomalies, is discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI is the imaging modality of choice for suspected cervical dysraphism, prior to surgery. It helps distinguish the subtypes, as well as identify the associated anomalies.
Andronikou
Savvas
S
Department of Paediatric Neuroradiology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. docsav@mweb.co.za
Wieselthaler
Nicky
N
Fieggen
Anthony Graham
AG
D000293:Adolescent; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008588:Meningocele / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016137:Spina Bifida Cystica / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*