Segmental spinal cord hypoplasia and meningocele with preservation of medullary function: case report

Abstract

Background: In very rare dysraphic cases, it is not clear whether the primary abnormalities are in the neural elements, or in the bony elements.

Case description: 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.