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. 2023:47:215-223.
doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-34981-2_7.

Secondary Neurulation Defects: Retained Medullary Cord

Kyung Hyun Kim  1   2 , Ji Yeoun Lee  1   3 , Kyu-Chang Wang  4   5
Affiliations

Secondary Neurulation Defects: Retained Medullary Cord

Kyung Hyun Kim et al. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg. 2023.

Abstract

Retained medullary cord (RMC) is a defect resulting from impaired secondary neurulation. Intraoperatively, RMC is recognizable as an elongated cord-like structure caudal to the conus, that contains histologically confirmed neuroglial components and a lumen with an ependymal lining. It characteristically does not possess neurological function. This chapter aims to summarize (1) the mechanisms that lead to the occurrence of RMC; (2) the various forms of RMC, such as cystic RMC and 'possible RMC', and (3) the treatment strategies, especially untethering through limited exposure.

Keywords: Apoptosis arrest; Retained medullary cord; Secondary neurulation; Tethered cord.

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References

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