Prenatal diagnosis of terminal myelocystocele in the fetal surgery era: case report

Abstract

Objective and importance: We report a case of a child with terminal myelocystocele (TMC). This case exemplifies the importance of performing a multidisciplinary evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging in the patient with suspected meningomyelocele when fetal surgery is being considered.

Clinical presentation: This patient was evaluated at the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment and considered for fetal surgery to repair meningomyelocele.

Technique: A follow-up based on both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging was performed throughout pregnancy.

Conclusion: Although a definitive diagnosis of TMC was not established prenatally, the patient was not offered fetal surgery, based on multiple selection criteria. We correlate the pathophysiology of TMC with the radiographic and amniocentesis findings. TMC must be considered in the differential diagnosis in a fetus with a dysraphic defect.