Split cord malformation Type II with twin dorsal lipomas

Diastematomyelia type I associated with intramedullary lipoma and dermoid cyst

Dysraphic entities like diastematomyelia are not uncommon. However, the co-existence of split cord malformation with two pathologically different lesions on the same hemicord is extremely rare. We report a case of a young child who presented with an unusual combination of diastematomyelia, intramedullary lipoma, and dermoid cyst.

Split Cord Malformation Type 2 with Double Dorsal Lipoma: A Sequela or a Chance

An 11-month-old baby girl, with normal perinatal history, presented with a congenital lumbosacral swelling and a sacral dimple. Imaging revealed a split cord malformation (SCM) type 2 at L1–L3 with a lipomeningocoele extending intradurally and tethering both the hemicords, the conus was noted to be at L4. She underwent excision of the lipoma and detethering of the hemicords. Intraoperatively, the split cord was seen from L1 to L3 with an aberrant median vessel passing between the hemicords. Two lipomas were seen separately attached to each of the hemicords, the lipomas were dissected off the hemicords, and the hemicords were neurulated. The case helps revisit the unified theory proposed by Pang for SCM as well as the theory of premature disjunction in the pathogenesis of lipomeningocoele. Formation of the endomesenchymal tract splits the developing cord into two, whereas the premature detachment of neuroectoderm from the cutaneous ectoderm can lead to lipomeningocoeles. The present case is only the fourth case ever reported of an SCM type 2 with double lipoma. In the case report, we discuss the embryological basis of this condition and surgical nuances of management.

Split cord malformation type 1 with two hemicord lesions

Split cord malformations are rare entities which may present in an occult manner or in association with other lesions or congenital anomalies. Rarely, these cases may have associated hemicord lesions. We report an unusual case, the first of its kind, a type 1 split cord malformation with two pathologically different lesions (lipoma and dermoid) on one hemicord.

Lateral lipomyelomeningocele of the hemicord with split cord malformation type I revealed by 3D heavily T2-weighted MR imaging

BACKGROUND

Lipomyelomeningocele (LMMC) is defined by a low-lying tethered spinal cord protruding posteriorly from the spinal canal and terminating in a lipomatous mass in the subcutaneous meningeal sac. The coexistence of LMMC with split cord malformation (SCM) is rare.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We report on a patient with laterally protruded LMMC arising from the hemicord of SCM type I. Direct coronal and axial views (instead of sagittal views) of 3D heavily T2-weighted MR imaging (3D-hT2WI) clearly demonstrated the topographical relationship between both of the hemicords, the bony septum, and nerve roots in the right subcutaneous meningeal sac.

CONCLUSION

Combined use of axial and coronal images of 3D-hT2W is useful for visualization and surgery of such a complicated anomaly.

Tethered cord with tandem lipomyelomeningoceles, split cord malformation and thick filum

Lipomyelomeningocele, a closed neural tube defect, usually occurs in lumbosacral area as a single lesion but can be associated with other spinal dysraphism. We report an infant with a very rare presentation of tandem lumbosacral lipomyelomeningoceles, thick filum terminale and split cord malformation.

Unusual presentation of congenital dermal sinus: tethered spinal cord with intradural epidermoid and dual paramedian cutaneous ostia

The authors present the first report of spinal congenital dermal sinus with paramedian dual ostia leading to 2 intradural epidermoid cysts. This 7-year-old girl had a history of recurrent left paramedian lumbosacral subcutaneous abscesses, with no chemical or pyogenic meningitis. Admission MRI studies demonstrated bilateral lumbar dermal sinus tracts and a tethered spinal cord. At surgery to release the tethered spinal cord the authors encountered paramedian dermal sinus tracts with dual ostia, as well as 2 intradural epidermoid cysts that were not readily apparent on MRI studies. Congenital dermal sinus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lumbar subcutaneous abscesses, even if the neurocutaneous signatures are located off the midline.