Anorectal malformation and spinal dysraphism: the value of diffusion-weighted imaging in detecting associated intradural (epi)dermoid cyst

Co-existent epidermoid and dermoid in a child with spinal dysraphism

Both spinal epidermoids and dermoids, given their common embryological origin, are referred as a single entity under the category of spinal inclusion tumors. Many theories, although speculative, have been proposed in relevance to their development. We present a unique case of dual pathology consisting of both epidermoid and dermoid components in a child with spinal dysraphism and succinctly touch upon the related embryological aspects and plausible pathogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, such co-existent entity has not been observed in the pediatric spine. The report adds to the gamut of the diverse observations of spinal dysraphic anomalies.

Congenital Spinal Cysts: An Update and Review of the Literature

Congenital spinal cysts are rare and encompass a wide variety of diseases including arachnoid, enterogenous, teratomatous, neurenteric, foregut, bronchogenic, epithelial, ependymal, dermoid, and epidermoid cysts. Here, we elucidate the epidemiology, pathology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic findings of the most common congenital spinal cysts, followed by a discussion of their presentation and treatment options. Differentiating the cause of each lesion is crucial for targeted clinical and surgical management for the patient. Our review describes how arachnoid cysts can be observed, fenestrated, percutaneously drained, or shunted; however, the primary goal for neurenteric, dermoid, and epidermoid cysts is removal. Further, we discuss how patient presentation is dependent on the rate of growth and location of compression on the spinal cord and nerve roots. However, although many of these lesions are discovered incidentally on imaging, the spectrum of possible symptoms include pain, weakness, ataxia, bladder incontinence, and progressive or acute neurologic deficits. We present and review the histology and imaging of a variety of cysts and discuss how although the goal of treatment is resection, the risks of surgery must be considered against the benefits of complete resection in each case.

Characteristics of diffusion-weighted images and apparent diffusion coefficients of ranulas and other masses in and around the floor of the mouth

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of ranulas. In addition, to elucidate DWI findings and ADC values of other representative masses in and around the floor of the mouth.

STUDY DESIGN

DWI findings and ADC values in 35 patients with ranulas and 33 patients with other masses were retrospectively reviewed with a central focus on cystic masses or lesions that may have cyst-like components in and around the floor of the mouth based on the diagnosis of each respective disease.

RESULTS

Ranulas were all well-defined, homogeneous masses with high signal intensity on DWI. The mean ± standard deviation ADC value of the 35 ranulas was 2.59 ± 0.31 × 10^-3 mm²/s. There was a significant difference in ADC values between simple and plunging ranulas. On DWI, most other masses were heterogeneous, and most ADC values, except those for thyroglossal duct cysts, hemangiomas, and pleomorphic adenomas, were significantly lower than those for ranulas.

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristic DWI and ADC findings of ranulas can be determined accurately, and these data can be significantly useful in the differential diagnosis of many kinds of diseases in and around the oral floor.

Tethered cord in patients affected by anorectal malformations: a survey from the ARM-Net Consortium

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to determine the degree of consensus in the management of spinal cord tethering (TC) in patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) in a large cohort of European pediatric centers.

METHODS

A survey was sent to pediatric surgeons (one per center) members of the ARM-Net Consortium.

RESULTS

Twenty-four (86%) from ten different countries completed the survey. Overall prevalence of TC was: 21% unknown, 46% below 15, and 29% between 15 and 30%. Ninety-six agreed on screening all patients for TC regardless the type of ARM and 79% start screening at birth. Responses varied in TC definition and diagnostic tools. Fifty percent of respondents prefer ultrasound (US), 21% indicate either US or magnetic resonance (MRI) based on a pre-defined risk of presenting TC, and 21% perform both. Discrepancy exists in complementary test: 82% carry out urodynamic studies (UDS) and only 37% perform somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP). Prophylactic untethering is performed in only two centers (8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Survey results support TC screening in all patients with ARM and conservative management of TC. There is discrepancy in the definition of TC, screening tools, and complementary test. Protocols should be developed to avoid such variability in management.

The diagnostic value of MRI fistulogram and MRI distal colostogram in patients with anorectal malformations

Contrast fistulogram (FG) and distal pressure colostogram (DPCG) are standard diagnostic methods for the assessment of anorectal malformations. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) earned a place among essential diagnostic methods in preoperative investigations after the Currarino syndrome and a high incidence of associated spinal dysraphism were described. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possibility of substituting FG and DPCG by a modified pelvic MRI, e.g. MRI fistulogram (MRI-FG) and MRI colostogram (MRI-DPCG). The prospective study involved 29 patients with anorectal malformations who underwent a modified pelvic MRI. The length and course of fistulas and rectum, and the presence of sacral anomalies were studied on MRI images and compared with images obtained by radiologic examinations. Modified MRI brought identical results as contrast studies in 25 patients when related to the fistula and rectum length and course. MRI was more accurate for the detection of sacral anomalies. MRI-FG was the only imaging method used in the four most recent patients. The results support the assumption that conventional contrast examinations for the assessment of anorectal malformations can be replaced by MRI, thus reducing the radiation dose.

Magnetic resonance imaging of ruptured spinal dermoid tumors with spread of fatty droplets in the central spinal canal and/or spinal subarachnoidal space

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of ruptured spinal dermoid tumors with spread of lipid droplets in the central spinal canal and/or spinal subarachnoid space and to understand the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The MRI features of 12-ruptured spinal dermoid tumors were retrospectively analyzed. A literature review was performed to analyze the reported cases of ruptured spinal dermoid tumors along with our cases.

RESULTS

The locations of dermoids in our series are all at or below T12 level. Of the 12 cases, 10 ruptured into the central spinal canal, 1 ruptured into the central spinal canal as well as the subarachnoid space, and 1 ruptured into subarachnoid space only. Free lipid droplets exhibited hyperintensity on T1 weighted images, hypointensity on T2 weighted images, and low signal on fat-suppression sequence.

CONCLUSION

Spinal dermoid tumors ruptured into central spinal canal and/or spinal subarachnoid space have unique MRI features. The absorption of lipid droplets within central spinal canal is rather difficult, and their movement is extremely slow. We propose that fatty components within the central canal of spinal cord may be partially associated with spinal dermoid tumors developmentally.

[Bladder and bowel function in children with congenital spinal lipomatus malformations. A retrospective study of 114 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To clarify bladder and bowel function of children with lipomas of the conus, without, before and after neurosurgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 114 children with a lipomas of the conus, followed in our pediatric neuro-urology department from 1993 to 2010. Several data were collected: bladder and bowel symptoms, bladder and anorectal continence, neurosurgical indication and age, clinical modification after neurosurgery, investigations carried out in pre- and post-surgery treatment, associated bladder and bowel treatment.

RESULTS

Forty-nine of the 77 children (63.6%) operated on had never been seen before surgery in our neuro-urology department. Seventy-seven children (67.5%) underwent a neuro-surgery, 60% indicated due to a neurogenic bladder. Before neurosurgery, 66 children (85.7%) had spontaneous miction. Five children (6.5%) had bladder intermittent catheterization. Forty of these patients (56.3%) were continent. After neurosurgery and a specialized consultation in neuro-urology, 54 children (70.1%) were continent. Thirty-seven children (48%) had spontaneous miction. Thirty-seven children (48%) had bladder intermittent catheterization and drug of overactive detrusor. Fifty-two children (67.5%) were constipated after surgery. Seventy-seven percent of the treatments for bowel symptoms were effective in terms of continence.

CONCLUSION

The existence of a neurogenic bladder was one of the main indications for neurosurgery. These results suggest that the complexity of care requires neurosurgical, urological surgeon and neuro-urology physician to achieve the explorations and urinary and digestive treatment in order to preserve renal function and both continences.

Fifteen years of experience in the treatment of anorectal malformations

AIM

To analyze our experience in the treatment of anorectal malformations (ARM) with the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP), and our modifications through the last few years and the outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 107 cases divided into two groups: Former (F: 1994-2003) and Recent (R: 2004-2008). Type of ARM, associated anomalies, management and complications were noted. A telephone questionnaire regarding continence outcome was addressed to the 74 cases older than 3 years.

RESULTS

According to the type of ARM, there were 53 perineal fistulas, 2 anal stenoses, 11 no fistulas, 12 rectourethral fistulas (5 rectobulbar and 7 rectoprostatic fistulas), 22 vestibular fistulas, 1 rectovesical fistulas and 6 cloacas. A total of 47 patients presented with 73 associated malformations. As much as 45 colostomies were performed, including 5 perineal fístulas, with 6 of 7 vestibular fístulas in group F and only 8 of 15 in group R. We had 19 complications of PSARP. The most frequent one was rectal mucosa prolapse in 14 (12F and 2R) and 2 wound infections (F). Continence was good in 62, poor in 3 and fair in 5. Seven out of eight children with poor or fair continence had associated malformations.

CONCLUSIONS

All perineal fístulas can be managed without colostomy. Vestibular fístulas can be safely treated without colostomy in otherwise healthy patients without severe malformations. Overall, continence is good, and fair/poor results are related to associated malformations. Cumulative experience helps avoid colostomies and reduce complication and reoperation rates.

Tethered cord in patients with anorectal malformation: preliminary results

BACKGROUND

A tethered cord (TC) has been reported in as much as 50% of the patients affected by anorectal malformation (ARM). No guidelines for timing and modality of diagnosis and treatment have been established. We present the preliminary results of a multidisciplinary protocol carried out at our center.

METHODS

Seventy-four ARM patients underwent spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All TC patients underwent videourodynamic (UD), somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs), and neurological examination at baseline and, if normal, at 5 and 10 years of age. Conversely, when UD or SEP abnormalities were detected the follow-up was individually tailored at shorter time.

RESULTS

25/74 patients had a neuroradiological TC (33.7%). Based on the results of UD, SEP, and neurological status, four patients were untethered, eight are possible candidates, nine are stable, and four were excluded because of incomplete data.

DISCUSSION

Tethered cord is frequent in ARM patients. Because neurological deficits secondary to TC can contribute to neurological disability, we recommend routine MRI examination and a multidisciplinary program of follow-up in cases of TC. Preliminary results suggest the combined use of SEPs and UD could represent a useful adjunct to clinical examination in patients in whom a "wait and see" approach is preferred to the prophylactic surgery.