0000000000187797
AUTHOR
J. A. Ermert
Magnetic resonance imaging of dysraphic myelodysplasia
The spinal cord in 56 children and adolescents was examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) many years after neonatal surgery on a meningomyelocele (average age 12 years). In a high percentage of cases, the diagnosis "tethered cord" was made. Associated anomalies were found with a frequency of 21%. Typical findings are presented and the impact of these results on therapy planning is discussed.
Cerebral and spinal MR-findings in patients with postrepair myelomeningocele
In 114 patients with postrepair myelomeningocele MRI of the spine was performed. Tethered cord (89%) and associated malformations (syrinx, lipoma etc.) (33%) were the most important findings. Additional MRI scans of the head (44 patients) revealed numerous further anomalies. Arnold Chiari malformation was found in 76% of the patients (ACM I: 32%, ACM II: 44%). In the ACM II group compression of lower cranial nerves, brain stem, and cerebellum can lead to considerable neurologic symptoms. Therefore in patients with progressive neurologic dysfunction a complete investigation of the whole spine and brain is necessary. MRI proves to be the diagnostic procedure of choice in patients with dysraph…