Congenital hydrocephalus associated with myeloschisis

Abstract

Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) can be divided into two main groups, one being open NTDs wherein visible neural tissue and cerebrospinal fluid leakage are present and the other, closed NTDs without exposed neural tissue and no drainage of CSF.

Methods: This communication is devoted to open NTDs that can be further subdivided into myelomeningoceles, myeloschisis, and hemimyelomeningoceles.

Results: Common to all these is the loss of CSF during fetal development that leads to an extensive malformation of the central nervous system with hydrocephalus being a frequent feature.

Conclusion: The only known difference between a newborn with myelomeningocele versus a newborn with myeloschisis is the initial presence (myelomeningocele) or absence (myeloschisis) of a cystic component with the overall clinical picture the same for these two forms of open neural tube defects.