title: Diastematomyelia - a report of two cases.
abstract: Diastematomyelia means sagittal division of the spinal cord into two hemi cords. It is a congenital malformation which results from an abnormal adhesion between ectoderm and endoderm. It is more common in females (3:1). This abnormal adhesion which splits the cord may be in the form of fibrous tissue or purely a calcific bar or purely an ossific bar or even a combination of the earlier mentioned entities. The health impacts of this entity are enormous, as the patients may be asymptomatic to begin with, until gradually; progressive spinal cord dysfunction sets in. Imaging plays a vital role in establishing the diagnosis and it may aid in easing the quality of life by making an early diagnosis. The affected individual and the afflicted families need psycho-social guidance and counselling. We are presenting here, imaging findings in two cases of diastematomyelia.
authors: Professor, Department of Radio Diagnosis, Rural Medical College (RMC), PIMS , Loni, India .
authors: Sushil G
authors: SG
authors: Kachewar
authors: Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Rural Medical College (RMC), PIMS , Loni, India .
authors: Smita B
authors: SB
authors: Sankaye
keywords: Diastematomyelia; Imaging; MRI; Radiology; Ultrasound; X-Ray