Prenatal diagnosis of closed spina bifida: multicenter case series and review of the literature

Objective: Closed spina bifida (CSB) is an abnormality of the posterior arch formation in which the defect is covered by the skin, without protrusion of nervous tissue. The prenatal diagnosis of CSB is very difficult, rarely diagnosed antenatally.Methods: We present a multicenter case series of six prenatal diagnosis of CSB using two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonography complemented with three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All cases of prenatal diagnosis of CSB were confirmed in the postnatal period/termination of pregnancy by both clinical and/or imaging diagnosis (ultrasonography and MRI).Results: 2D ultrasonography allowed the prenatal diagnosis of six cases. We observed two cases of subcutaneous lipomas, two cases of meningoceles, one case of fibrolipomas, and one case of false-positive CSB (meningomyelocele). 3D ultrasonography using rendering mode was important in one case of meningocele (case# 3). Three cases were delivered at term and one of them was submitted to corrective surgery. All these three newborns were discharged from the hospital well and without neurologic signs. Termination of pregnancy was performed in three cases.Conclusion: During prenatal evaluation, detailed ultrasonographic assessment of the entire spine with the identification of the position and morphology of the conus medullaris and absence of cranial signs of spinal dysraphism are the most valuable sonographic clues for the diagnostic of the CSB.

Spontaneous Cerebral Spinal Fluid Rhinorrhea with Meningocele Secondary to Congenital Foramen Rotundum Defect: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a rare occurrence. We present a case of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea in a 57-year-old patient secondary to a sphenoid osseous defect involving the foramen rotundum and maxillary nerve with an associated arachnoid cyst and meningocele compressing the maxillary nerve. The location of the defect made correction amenable to an open skull-based approach. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a spontaneous meningocele herniating into the sphenoid osseous defect through the medial aspect of the foramen rotundum. Early detection of these defects, open or endoscopic approaches and definitive treatment by closing the defect can result in excellent outcomes.

Spontaneous Nasal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repaired With Single-Layer Mucoperichondrial Graft: Long-term Results

Background

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak (sCSFL) has been historically related to obesity and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), with a lower rate of success of endoscopic repair reported in the literature. Moreover, defects related to this condition have been largely repaired with multilayer reconstructions and pedicled flaps. Long-term postoperative results have not been appropriately discussed yet.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the outcome of a cohort of patients treated with single-layer mucoperichondrial graft.

Methods

A retrospective review of clinical records of a consecutive series of patients who underwent endonasal endoscopic surgery for sCSFL was carried out at a tertiary care referral center for skull base pathologies. All patients underwent reconstruction with single-layer mucoperichondrial free graft. Local flap failures and postoperative outcomes, in terms of recurrence of sCSFL or brain herniation, were registered.

Results

Neither intraoperative nor perioperative complications were reported. Definitive closure was achieved in 27 of 29 (93%) patients after the first attempt, while in 2 cases, a revision surgery was required. In both of these, an inadequate position of the graft was detected and was repaired likewise with the same mucoperichondrial graft. None of the patients required postoperative lumbar drain placement. After a median follow-up period of 57 months, only 1 patient developed a meningocele without CSFL about 2 years after surgery at the contralateral lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus. None of the patients reported symptoms referable to elevated ICP nor underwent ventricular derivation.

Conclusions

Single-layered mucoperichondrial free graft was safe and effective in the majority of the examined patients. In 7% of the study population, a surgical revision was necessary due to local failure of the graft. However, during long-term follow-up, only 1 case of recurrent meningocele without CSFL was reported in a patient who presented borderline ICP.

Spinal arachnoid cysts in adults: diagnosis and management. A single-center experience

OBJECTIVEAdult spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) are rare entities of indistinct etiology that present with pain or myelopathy. Diagnosis is made on imaging studies with varying degrees of specificity. In symptomatic cases, the standard treatment involves surgical exploration and relief of neural tissue compression. The aim of this study was to illustrate features of SACs in adults, surgical management, and outcomes.METHODSThe authors searched medical records for all SACs in adults in the 10-year period ending in December 2016. Radiology and pathology reports were reviewed to exclude other spine cystic disorders. Recurrent or previously treated patients were excluded. Demographic variables (age, sex) and clinical presentation (symptoms, duration, history of infection or trauma, and examination findings) were extracted. Radiological features were collected from radiology reports and direct interpretation of imaging studies. Operative reports and media were reviewed to accurately describe the surgical technique. Finally, patient-reported outcomes were collected at every clinic visit using the SF-36.RESULTSThe authors' search identified 22 patients with SACs (mean age at presentation 53.5 years). Seventeen patients were women, representing an almost 3:1 sex distribution. Symptoms comprised back pain (n = 16, 73%), weakness (n = 10, 45%), gait ataxia (n = 11, 50%), and sphincter dysfunction (n = 4, 18%). The mean duration of symptoms was 15 months. Seven patients (32%) exhibited signs of myelopathy. All patients underwent preoperative MRI; in addition, 6 underwent CT myelography. SACs were located in the thoracic spine (n = 17, 77%), and less commonly in the lumbar spine (n = 3, 14%) and cervical/cervicothoracolumbar region (n = 2, 9%). Based on imaging findings, the cysts were interpreted as intradural SACs (n = 11, 50%), extradural SACs (n = 6, 27%), or ventral spinal cord herniation (n = 2, 9%); findings in 3 patients (14%) were inconclusive. Nineteen patients underwent surgical treatment consisting of laminoplasty in addition to cyst resection (n = 13, 68%), ligation of the connecting pedicle (n = 4, 21%), or fenestration/marsupialization (n = 2, 11%). Postoperatively, patients were followed up for an average of 8.2 months (range 2-30 months). Postoperative MRI showed complete resolution of the SAC in 14 of 16 patients. Patient-reported outcomes showed improvement in SF-36 parameters. One patient suffered a delayed wound infection.CONCLUSIONSIn symptomatic patients with imaging findings suggestive of spinal arachnoid cyst, surgical exploration and complete resection is the treatment of choice. Treatment is usually well tolerated, carries low risks, and provides the best chances for optimal recovery.

"Cable Suturing Technique" a Dural Obliteration Method for the Prevention of Cerebellar Herniation through a Large Occipital Meningocele

The authors present a patient who had a large occipital meningocele, which was transformed into an encephalocele after primary closure due to a large skull defect. Thus, the technical importance of classifying patients with occipital meningocele with a large skull defect and a tight dural obliteration is crucial, not to leave a wide dead space with a potential risk of cerebellar herniation. Encephalocele and meningocele are embryological anomalies, which result in intracranial structures herniation due to inborn skull defect. Acquired encephalocele may develop through the same defect with normal cerebellar tissues; since the prognosis of occipital encephalocele may worsen as the size of herniation increases, the patient underwent a modified dural obliteration technique (Cable Suturing Technique) to adjust the size of the dura and to strengthen it to prevent the risk of future herniation followed by cranioplasty and the cerebellar herniation regressed significantly after the procedure.

Identification of a novel homozygous ALX4 mutation in two unrelated patients with frontonasal dysplasia type-2

We report two unrelated boys with frontonasal dysplasias type-2 (FND-2) who shared an identical novel homozygous ALX4 mutation c.291delG (p.Q98Sfs*83). Both patients presented with a large skull defect but one had bilateral parietal meningocele-like cysts that lie along with the bony defect and increased in size with age. Scalp alopecia, hypertelorism, and clefted alae nasi were also detected in both of them. Furthermore, impalpable gonads were noted, being unilateral in one and bilateral in the other. Neuroimaging showed small dysplastic occipital lobes with dysgyria and midline subarachnoid cyst. Additional dysplastic corpus callosum and small cerebellar vermis were observed in one patient. Parietal foramina were noted in the parents of one patient. Our findings highlight the dosage effect of ALX4 and underscore the challenges of prenatal genetic counseling. Further, the indirect role of ALX4 in the development of the occipital lobe and posterior fossa is discussed.

Prevalence of temporal bone tegmen defects among patients with Marfan syndrome

BACKGROUND

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue. The composition of the dura can change. Consequently, lumbo-sacral dural herniations and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are encountered, however, they have yet to been described in the temporal bone.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

To define the prevalence of temporal bone meningocele or encephalocele among patients with MFS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Reviewed medical records of all adult patients, diagnosed with MFS, who were treated between 1993 and 2018 at a single academic referral institute. Head targeted CT scans were analyzed. The presence of an anterior or lateral skull base defect was recorded.

RESULTS

One-hundred and one patients diagnosed with MFS were identified. Twelve of which had suitable CT scans and were enrolled in the study. The median age of patients with defects was 65 years (range 41-71). Five of the twelve patients (41.6%) had tegmen defect. Of the seven defects found, the median size of the defects was 3 mm (range 2-5 mm). All defects were in the temporal bone, none in the anterior skull base.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

The prevalence of radiological evidence of a temporal bone defect among patients with MFS is high. This is a new, important, and potentially life-threatening association with the syndrome.

Management of the Frontoethmoidal Encephalomeningocele

Introduction:

The Frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocele (FEEM) is a congenital neural tube anomaly, with herniation of intracranial material such as the brain and leptomeninges through a defect of the dura and anterior skull base at the junction of the frontal and ethmoidal bones. It may result not only in neural defects, sensorimotor deficits, neurological morbidities, visual impairment, impaired nasal function, and a potential risk of intracranial infection, but also in significant craniofacial disfigurement with complex deformities in the frontal, orbital, and nasal regions.

Materials and Method:

The standard two-staged surgical protocol comprises of the first stage performed by a neurosurgeon, which aims at correcting the neural defect by a formal craniotomy; then the second stage performed by a craniomaxillofacial or plastic and reconstructive surgeon, to correct craniofacial hard and soft tissue deformities. The case discussed was managed using a modified intracranial-transcranial single stage approach, achieving both the desired objectives.

Results and Conclusion:

This protocol elucidates the importance and value of teamwork between the Neurosurgeon and Craniomaxillofacial surgeon, in comprehensively and efficiently managing small to moderately sized FEEMs, assuring their complete elimination, satisfactory defect closure, effective functional treatment as well as esthetic correction and reconstruction of the attendant craniofacial deformities by means of a single-stage definitive surgical approach.

Cystic Cervical Dysraphism: Experience of 12 Cases

Introduction:

Cystic spinal dysraphism of the cervical region is a relatively rare entity, which is more frequently associated with congenital anomalies such as split cord malformation, Chiari malformation, and corpus callosum agenesis, when compared to their lumbosacral counterpart. In our study, we have highlighted the clinical spectrum, associated anomalies (both neural and extra-neural), and surgical nuances of these.

Materials and Methods:

This study is a retrospective analysis of 225 patients from June 2010 to April 2017. Twelve patients who were between the age of 1 month and 16 years were included in our study. Average age was 32.6 months, and there were five female patients and seven male patients. All patients underwent neurological and radiological examinations followed by surgical excision of the sac and exploration of the intradural sac using the standard microsurgical technique. Neurological, Orthopedic and urological outcomes were studied in our description.

Results:

Of the 12 cases, 9 patients (75%) had some associated anomaly. Four of the 12 patients (25%) had split cord malformation, 3 had corpus callosum agenesis, and 5 had Chiari malformation. Patients with cervical spina bifida cystica (SBC) present with less neurologic deficits and greater association with CCA.

Conclusion:

The management strategy and association with other congenital anomalies separates cervical dysraphism as a different clinical entity rather than just group. These patients rather show favorable outcome with regard to neurologic, orthopedic, and urologic problems as compared to their caudal counterpart. Early surgical intervention even before the onset of symptoms is recommended. A proper radiological and urological evaluation is warranted.

Closure of a giant anterior sacral meningocele with an omental flap in a patient with Marfan syndrome: case report

Anterior sacral meningoceles (ASMs) are rare lesions often associated with connective tissue disorders. These lesions are typically treated posteriorly via closure of the dural stalk. However, given their insidious nature, ASMs can be quite large on presentation, and this approach may not provide adequate decompression. In this case report, the authors describe the successful treatment of a large ASM through drainage and watertight closure of the cyst with an omental flap. A 43-year-old woman with a history of Marfan syndrome and a large ASM was referred for neurosurgical intervention. The ASM was filling the pelvic cavity and causing severe compression of the bladder. The patient underwent surgical decompression of the cyst through an anterior transabdominal approach and closure of the fistulous tract with a pedicled omental flap. This is the first reported case of successful closure of an ASM with an omental flap. At the 6-month follow-up, the ASM had not recurred on imaging and the patient's symptoms had resolved. Anterior sacral meningoceles are rare lesions that often require neurosurgical intervention. Although most can be treated posteriorly, large ASMs compressing the abdominal or pelvic organs may require a transabdominal approach. Moreover, ASMs with wide dural stalks may benefit from closure with an omental flap.

Posterior Fontanelle Encephalomeningocele in a Neonate: A Case Report

Encephalomeningoceles are subtypes of neural tube defects (NTD). We present the case of a one-day-old neonate who was found to have a posterior fontanelle encephalomeningocele that was only discovered after birth. The unique presentation of this case and the surgical management is also considered.

Bilateral Ossicular Head Dehiscence Into the Middle Cranial Fossa

OBJECTIVES

To describe a unique case of bilateral dehiscence of the malleus and incus heads into the middle fossa making contact with the temporal lobes, along with its clinical implications.

METHODS

An analysis of a patient case and review of pertinent literature were performed.

RESULTS

A patient with a history of right-sided mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma was evaluated for persistent conductive hearing loss. On computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the patient had a complete dehiscence of the tegmen tympani on the right, with ossicular heads being located above the floor of the middle cranial fossa. A similar finding to a milder degree was noted on the left. The patient underwent revision tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy with removal of the incus and ossicular chain reconstruction and middle fossa craniotomy for repair of the right epitympanic dehiscence.

CONCLUSIONS

We present some of the unique imaging and operative findings involved in an unusual presentation of encephalocele in which the bilateral malleus and incus heads rise above the level of the middle fossa floor.

Encephalocele development from a congenital meningocele: case report

A fetal MRI study obtained at 21 weeks' gestation revealed a suboccipital meningocele without hydrocephalus. One day after term birth, MRI demonstrated an acquired cerebellar encephalocele, and MRI obtained 5 months later showed progressive enlargement of the encephalocele, still without obvious hydrocephalus. The patient underwent an operation in which an external ventricular drain was placed, the grossly normal cerebellum was reduced into the posterior fossa without resection, and the dural defect was closed. The drain was weaned out over 5 days, and no ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. Postoperative MR images revealed normal cerebellum and no hydrocephalus. The patient is developmentally normal. Meningocele and encephalocele are embryologically distinct. An acquired encephalocele could develop from hydrocephalus (which was not present in this case), or secondary to the lower resistance to expansion into the dural defect of the meningocele relative to the resistance to expansion of the fetal skull. The cerebellar tissue was normal in this case, and was thus preserved. The developmental prognosis is excellent. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of this occurrence. It is important to differentiate between congenital and acquired encephalocele etiologies, because resection of the cerebellar tissue in an acquired encephalocele (as is routinely done in cases of congenital encephalocele) would be expected to result in neurological deficits.

Safe and sustainable: the extracranial approach toward frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele repair

OBJECTIVE Although rare, frontoethmoidal meningoencephaloceles continue to pose a challenge to neurosurgeons and plastic reconstructive surgeons. Especially when faced with limited infrastructure and resources, establishing reliable and safe surgical techniques is of paramount importance. The authors present a case series in order to evaluate a previously proposed concise approach for meningoencephalocele repair, with a focus on sustainability of internationally driven surgical efforts. METHODS Between 2001 and 2016, a total of 246 patients with frontoethmoidal meningoencephaloceles were treated using a 1-stage extracranial approach by a single surgeon in the Department of Neurosurgery of the Yangon General Hospital in Yangon, Myanmar, initially assisted by European surgeons. Outcomes and complications were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 246 patients (138 male and 108 female) were treated. Their ages ranged from 75 days to 32 years (median 8 years). The duration of follow-up ranged between 4 weeks and 16 years (median 4 months). Eighteen patients (7.3%) showed signs of increased intracranial pressure postoperatively, and early CSF rhinorrhea was observed in 27 patients (11%), with 5 (2%) of them requiring operative dural repair. In 8 patients, a decompressive lumbar puncture was performed. There were 8 postoperative deaths (3.3%) due to meningitis. In 15 patients (6.1%), recurrent herniation of brain tissue was observed; this herniation led to blindness in 1 case. The remaining patients all showed good to very good aesthetic and functional results. CONCLUSIONS A minimally invasive, purely extracranial approach to frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele repair may serve well, especially in middle- and low-income countries. This case series points out how the frequently critiqued lack of sustainability in the field of humanitarian surgical missions, as well as the often-cited missing aftercare and dependence on foreign supporters, can be circumvented by meticulous training of local surgeons.

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) associated with cervical myelomeningocele

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a rare and potentially fatal entity resulting from complete or near complete developmental airway obstruction. Although most reported cases of CHAOS are sporadic, the condition may also be associated with certain syndromes and a variety of cervical masses. Meningocele and myelomeningocele have not yet been reported in association with CHAOS. We describe the typical constellation of sonographic findings in a case of early diagnosis of CHAOS associated with cervical myelomeningocele. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:507-510, 2017.

Pulsatile Proptosis due to Intraorbital Meningocele

We present a case of a 79-year-old man with a non-symptomatic pulsatile proptosis of the left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a meningocele into the left orbit due to an osseous defect in the orbital roof.

Multidisciplinary surgical treatment of presacral meningocele and teratoma in an adult with Currarino triad

Background:

Currarino syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic condition that presents with the defining triad of anorectal malformations, sacral bone deformations, and presacral masses, which may include teratoma. Neurosurgeons are involved in the surgical treatment of anterior meningoceles, which are often associated with this condition. The accepted surgical treatment is a staged anterior-posterior resection of the presacral mass and obliteration of the anterior meningocele.

Case Description:

This case involved a 36-year-old female who presented with late onset of symptoms attributed to CS (e.g., presacral mass, anterior sacral meningocele, and sacral agenesis). She successfully underwent multidisciplinary single-stage approach for treatment of the anterior sacral meningocele and resection of the presacral mass. This required obliteration of the meningocele and closure of the dural defect. One year later, her meningocele had fully resolved.

Conclusion:

While late presentations with CS are rare, early detection and multidisciplinary treatment including single-state anterior may be successful for managing these patients.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from neglected meningocele

Background:

A neural tube defect (NTD) is a common congenital anomaly with an incidence of 6.57–8.21 per 1000 live births. Patients usually present early because of obvious swelling or due to neurological deficit. However, neglecting the obvious cystic swelling on the back till its transformation into malignant tumor is rare.

Case Description:

We describe a case of malignant transformation of meningocele in a 60-year-old man. Magnetic resonance imaging showed sacral meningocele. Neurological examination revealed intact motor and sensory examination with normal bladder and bowel function. There were no signs of meningitis and hydrocephalus. Excision was done and biopsy revealed it as squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion:

Meningocele should be treated early and possibility of malignant change should be kept in mind in neglected cases presenting in adulthood.

Currarino Syndrome and the Effect of a Large Anterior Sacral Meningocele on Distal Colostogram in an Anorectal Malformation

Currarino syndrome is a congenital disorder, consisting of a triad of anomalies including an anorectal malformation, sacral anomaly, and a presacral mass. Anterior sacral meningoceles are the most common presacral mass. A young child presented to our institution with an unrepaired anorectal malformation and a large anterior sacral meningocele. We describe how the anterior meningocele affected the imaging work-up.

The scalp hair collar and tuft signs: A retrospective multicenter study of 78 patients with a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Hair collar sign (HCS) and hair tuft of the scalp (HTS) are cutaneous signs of an underlying neuroectodermal defect, but most available data are based on case reports.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to define the clinical spectrum of HCS and HTS, clarify the risk for underlying neurovascular anomalies, and provide imaging recommendations.

METHODS

A 10-year multicenter retrospective and prospective analysis of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features of HCS and HTS in pediatric patients was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 78 patients included in the study, 56 underwent cranial and brain imaging. Twenty-three of the 56 patients (41%) had abnormal findings, including the following: (1) cranial/bone defect (30.4%), with direct communication with the central nervous system in 28.6%; (2) venous malformations (25%); or (3) central nervous system abnormalities (12.5%). Meningeal heterotopia in 34.6% (9/26) was the most common neuroectodermal association. Sinus pericranii, paraganglioma, and combined nevus were also identified.

LIMITATIONS

The partial retrospective design and predominant recruitment from the dermatology department are limitations of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants with HCS or HTS are at high risk for underlying neurovascular anomalies. Magnetic resonance imaging scans should be performed in order to refer the infant to the appropriate specialist for management.

Difficulties in prenatal diagnosis of tumour in the fetal sacrococcygeal area

Prenatal ultrasound at the 20th week of gestation revealed a 3-cm tumour in the sacrococcygeal area. Initially, a sacrococcygeal teratoma was suspected on the basis of fetal ultrasonography, which revealed normal heart anatomy and an increasing tumour mass. The diagnosis was then changed to fetus in fetu or teratoma. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging at the 34th week of pregnancy confirmed the ultrasound diagnosis. No other anomalies were found. Elective caesarean section was performed at term. The care team included a paediatric surgeon, obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives, and an anesthesiologist. A female newborn was delivered in good condition. The tumour was resected in the operating room and mature teratoma was established by histopathological evaluation. Surprisingly, agenesis of the right forearm was revealed which had not been detected prenatally, despite many examinations (both in our hospital and earlier at a primary care obstetrician office).

Spontaneous defects between the mastoid and posterior cranial fossa

Conclusions Spontaneous defects between the mastoid and the posterior cranial fossa are exceedingly rare. Patients with these lesions may have a lower BMI compared to those with middle cranial fossa encephaloceles, but are otherwise demographically similar. This study recommends repair via a transtemporal approach to allow for examination of the entire posterior face of the temporal bone. Objective To describe cases of spontaneous posterior cranial fossa defects. Methods This study reviewed all cases of spontaneous posterior fossa defects presenting to a tertiary referral center over the last decade and described clinical presentation, imaging, operative findings, and outcomes. We also compared these lesions to those previously reported in the literature as well as the more common spontaneous encephaloceles of the middle cranial fossa. Results This study identified five cases with a mean age of 61.4 years, female-to-male ratio of 4:1, and a mean BMI of 31. Three cases presented with spontaneous pneumocephalus, one with CSF otorrhea, and one as an incidental imaging finding. Four defects were found medial to the sigmoid sinus and one was in the lateral retrosigmoid air cells.

Successful management of a giant anterior sacral meningocele with an endoscopic cutting stapler: case report

Anterior sacral meningoceles (ASMs) are rare defects in the sacrum with thecal sac herniations and symptoms that commonly include constipation, dysmenorrhea, and urinary disturbances. An ASM causing hydronephrosis and acute renal failure from compression of the lower portion of the urinary tract is a rare clinical entity. Only one other case has been reported. The authors present the case of a 37-year-old man admitted for obstructive renal failure and hydronephrosis due to a giant ASM that measured 25 × 12 × 18 cm and compressed the ureters and bladder. The ASM was successfully treated via an anterior transabdominal approach in which the authors used a novel technique for watertight closure of the meningocele pedicle with an endoscopic cutting stapler. The authors review the literature and discuss the surgical options for the treatment of ASMs, specifically the management of ASMs in the context of obstructive renal failure and hydronephrosis.

A rare case of giant occipital meningocele with Dandy Walker Syndrome: Can it grow bigger than this?

Association of Dandy–Walker syndrome with occipital meningocele (OMC) is extremely rare and about thirty cases are reported till date in the Western literature. However, OMC is classified by Talamonti et al. into small, large, and giant categories with respective diameters were upto 5 cm in small, large with 5–9 cm, and giant with >9 cm. Usually the size of OMC progressively increases as raised intracranial pressure leads to compensatory cerebrospinal fluid escape into sac with the growth of children. Authors report an interesting case of an 18-month-old female child with extra-gigantic OMC, whose size was almost same since birth, representing the first case of its kind, who underwent successful surgical repair. Clinical presentation, radiological features, and surgical management options in literature are reviewed briefly for this rare disease association.

Intramedullary spinal epidermoid presenting after thoracic meningocele repair: case report

A 4-year-old girl with a history of thoracic meningocele repair at the age of 3 months presented with progressive myelopathy. An intramedullary thoracic epidermoid was identified on MRI. The patient underwent excision of the epidermoid and subsequently returned to neurological baseline. This case illustrates the potential for delayed development of intraspinal epidermoid after initial repair of a simple meningocele.