Use of magnetic resonance imaging to detect occult spinal dysraphism in infants

Incidence of Tethered Cord Syndrome in Pediatric Patients With Neurofibromatosis Type 1

OBJECTIVE

The link between tethered cord syndrome (TCS) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) remains unclear. To date, only 2 studies have indicated a high occurrence of TCS in the pediatric NF1 patient population. Our study aims to ascertain the incidence of TCS among Chinese pediatric patients with NF1.

METHODS

A single-institution, 8-year retrospective analysis at a tertiary-level children's hospital was conducted for patients with NF1 who underwent surgery for TCS. The clinical features, imaging characteristics, genetic testing outcomes, and histopathological findings of pediatric NF1 patients with TCS were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 115 pediatric patients were diagnosed with NF1. Among these 115 NF1 patients, 11 individuals, accounting for 9.6% of the sample, were confirmed to have TCS. This rate of occurrence is significantly higher than the incidence rate of TCS in the general population, which stands at 0.17%. All 11 of the pediatric NF1 patients underwent surgery for TCS. Out of the 11 patients who were advised to have tethered cord release surgery, 4 (36.4%) were girls, and the average age of these 11 patients was 8.6 years, with ages ranging from 2 to 17 years. The conus medullaris position of the 11 pediatric NF1 patients ranged from L1 to L2, and 10 of them (91%) had a filum terminale lipoma, characterized by high signal intensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. Another patient was diagnosed with occult TCS. All 11 pediatric NF1 patients exhibited symptoms associated with TCS, such as neuromotor dysfunction, abnormalities in urination, defecation, skeletal system abnormalities, or pain. Eight of the 11 pediatric NF1 patients had undergone genetic testing, which is a crucial part of the diagnostic process for NF1. The histopathological examination of the 11 pediatric NF1 patients who underwent surgery revealed that 10 patients had fatty infiltration of the filum terminale, while the remaining patient exhibited fibrosis of the filum terminale.

CONCLUSIONS

In the group of pediatric patients with NF1, the incidence of TCS, presenting to the pediatric neurosurgery clinic for any reason, is significantly higher than that of the general population. However, the pathophysiological relationship between NF1 and TCS is still not clear. It is essential to provide counseling to NF1 patients and their families about the symptoms of TCS to make sure they are aware and can seek the necessary care when needed. This underscores the importance of not only diagnosing NF1 but also staying alert for related conditions like TCS, which may have a higher occurrence in this demographic.

Recurrent tethered cord: outcome and follow-up of 20 de-thetering for symptomatic spina bifida: choort study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of tethered cord among patients in the postoperative period of open and occult spina bifida. To identify warning signs for its early diagnosis, as well as outcomes after the new surgical approach.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients followed at the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department of the Federal University of São Paulo with spinal dysraphism. Signs and symptoms indicating reoperation were collected, and postoperative results were classified as improved, unchanged, or worsened.

RESULTS

222 medical records of patients diagnosed with spinal dysraphism were evaluated. Symptomatic Tethered Cord Syndrome (STCS) was identified in 30 patients (13.51%), with clinical manifestations related to orthopedic deformities (66.7%), neurological deficits (56.7%), urological dysfunction (50%), and intestinal dysfunction (40%). 20 cases underwent surgery for tethered cord release. The mean age at the time of surgery was 7.7 ± 4.9 years, with 13 female patients (65%). In the postoperative evaluation, improvement in low back pain (90.9%), urological pattern, and urinary tract infection episodes (45.4%) were particularly noteworthy. 3 patients (33.3%) with constipation showed improvement, and one worsened (11.1%). Improvement in ambulation was seen in two cases (16.7%). Low back pain was the first symptom to improve after surgery, with an average time of 1.3 months, followed by changes in the urological pattern at 15.6 months. Improvement in constipation was observed in the first month in 2 cases (66.7%), positive changes in ambulation were observed around 7 months after surgery, and only one case showed improvement in clubfoot correction.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of tethered cord recurrence after primary correction surgery for open or occult neural tube closure defects was similar to that found in the literature. The results were encouraging, with good postoperative evolution of patients, especially in the improvement of low back pain and urological symptoms.

International Consensus Statement on the Radiological Evaluation of Dysraphic Malformations of the Spine and Spinal Cord

Dysraphic malformations of the spine and spinal cord (DMSSC) represent a spectrum of common congenital anomalies typically (though not exclusively) affecting the lower spinal segments. These may be responsible for varying degrees of neurologic, orthopedic, and urologic morbidity. With advances in neuroimaging, it is now possible to better diagnose and evaluate these disorders both prenatally and postnatally. Neuroimaging, performed at the right time and with technique optimization, is integral in guiding clinical management. However, the terminology used to describe these lesions has become increasingly confusing, and there is a lack of consensus regarding the essential radiologic features and their clinical weighting. This variability in radiologic practice risks unstructured decision making and increases the likelihood of suboptimal, less informed clinical management. In this manuscript, the first of a series of consensus statements, we outline a standardized international consensus statement for the radiologic evaluation of children with suspected DMSSC derived from a critical review of the literature, and the collective clinical experience of a multinational group of experts. We provide recommendations for plain radiography, sonography, CT, and MR imaging in the evaluation of DMSSC with an emphasis on technique of imaging and imaging protocols.

Classification of and individual treatment strategies for complex tethered cord syndrome

Objective

To study the classification, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of complex tethered cord syndrome (C-TCS) on the basis of the patients' clinical symptoms, imaging findings, and therapeutic schedule.

Methods

The clinical data of 126 patients with C-TCS admitted to our department from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Classification criteria for C-TCS were established by analyzing the causes of C-TCS. Different surgical strategies were adopted for different types of C-TCS. The Kirollos grading, visual analogue scale (VAS), critical muscle strength, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were used to evaluate the surgical outcomes and explore individualized diagnosis and treatment strategies for C-TCS.

Results

C-TCS was usually attributable to three or more types of tether-causing factors. The disease mechanisms could be categorized as pathological thickening and lipomatosis of the filum terminal (filum terminal type), arachnoid adhesion (arachnoid type), spina bifida with lipomyelomeningocele/meningocele (cele type), spinal lipoma (lipoma type), spinal deformity (bone type), and diastomyelia malformation (diastomyelia type). Patients with different subtypes showed complex and varied symptoms and required individualized treatment strategies.

Conclusion

Since C-TCS is attributable to different tether-related factors, C-TCS classification can guide individualized surgical treatment strategies to ensure complete release of the tethered cord and reduce surgical complications.

Midline cutaneous anomalies of the craniospinal axis

Patients with midline cutaneous anomalies of the craniospinal axis can be indicative of underlying embryonic defects, such as neural tube defects. Lack of familiarity with these midline aberrant skin findings may lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In this review, midline cutaneous anomalies of the craniospinal axis including aplasia cutis congenita, cranial and spinal dysraphism, and other developmental anomalies are explored in detail with emphasis on cutaneous clues to the diagnosis and appropriate workup.

Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Screening of Closed Spinal Dysraphism

Closed spinal dysraphism (CSD) encompasses a heterogeneous group of spinal cord deformities, which can be accompanied by several types of skin stigmata. These skin stigmata may include inconspicuous features, such as sacral dimples and deformed gluteal clefts, but the association between such mild skin stigmata and CSD is uncertain. This study aimed to reevaluate the indication for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with skin stigmata while considering the indication for surgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on magnetic resonance images of 1255 asymptomatic children with skin stigmata between 2003 and 2015. Skin stigmata classification was based on medical chart data. All subtypes of CSDs except for filum terminale lipomas (FTL), FTL thicker than 2 mm or with low conus medullaris, were considered to meet the surgical indication. CSD prevalence was estimated while considering the surgical indications and assessed after excluding all FTL cases. Skin stigmata were classified into seven types, dimple, deformed gluteal cleft, hair, subcutaneous mass, appendage, discoloration, and protruding bone, and included 1056 isolated and 199 complex ones. The prevalence of CSD was 19.5%, 6.8%, and 0.5% among patients with isolated dimples (n = 881) and 13.9%, 5.8%, and 0.7% among those with isolated deformed gluteal clefts (n = 136) for all cases, surgical indications, and patients without FTL, respectively. Dimples and deformed gluteal clefts had a low prevalence of CSD requiring surgical intervention, and cases without FTL were rare. Asymptomatic patients with mild skin stigmata may not require immediate MRI.

Clinical utility and interrater reliability of video urodynamics in children with isolated fibrolipoma of filum terminale

INTRODUCTION

Children with an isolated fibrolipoma of filum terminale (IFFT) but otherwise normal spinal cord are often evaluated with video urodynamics (VUDS). VUDS interpretation is subjective and can be difficult in young children. These patients may undergo detethering surgery if there is concern for current or future symptomatic tethered cord.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that VUDS in children with IFFT would have limited clinical utility regarding decision for or against detethering surgery and VUDS interpretation would have poor interrater reliability.

METHODS

Patients with IFFT who underwent VUDS for from 2009 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate clinical utility of VUDS. 6 pediatric urologists who were blinded to patient clinical characteristics reviewed the VUDS. Gwet's first order agreement coefficient (AC1) with 95% CI was used to assess interrater reliability.

RESULTS

47 patients (24F:23M) were identified. Median age at initial evaluation was 2.8yrs (IQR:1.5-6.8). 24 (51%) patients underwent detethering surgery (Table). VUDS at initial evaluation were interpreted by treating urologist as normal in 4 (8%), reassuring for normal in 39 (81%), or concerning for abnormal in 4 (9%). Based on neurosurgery clinic and operative notes for the 47 patients, VUDS made no change in management in 37 patients (79%), prompted detethering in 3 (6%), was given as reason for observation in 7 (15%), and was normal or reassuring for normal but not documented as a reason for observation in 16 (34%) (Table). Interrater reliability for VUDS interpretation had fair agreement (AC1 = 0.27) for overall categorization of VUDS and EMG interpretation (AC1 = 0.34). Moderate agreement was seen for detrusor overactivity interpretation (AC1 = 0.54) and bladder neck appearance (AC1 = 0.46).

DISCUSSION

In our cohort, 90% of patients had a normal or reassuring for normal interpretation of VUDS. VUDS interpretation affected clinical course in a minority of patients. There was fair interrater reliability for overall VUDS interpretation and therefore clinical course regarding detethering surgery could vary depending upon interpreting urologist. This fair interrater variability appeared to be related to variability in EMG, bladder neck appearance, and detrusor overactivity interpretation.

CONCLUSION

VUDS affected clinical management in about 20% of our cohort and supported the choice for observation in around 50% of patients. This suggests VUDS does have clinical utility in pediatric patients with IFFT. The overall VUDS interpretation had fair interrater reliability. This suggest VUDS interpretation has limitations in determining normal versus abnormal bladder function in children with IFFT. Neurosurgeons and urologists should be aware of VUDS limitations in this patient population.

Comparison of Ultrasonographic Findings between Patients with Tethered Cord Syndrome and Healthy Children

Background

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a type of occult spinal dysraphism, which necessitates early detection as an essential component of patient management in reducing complications. This study aimed to compare the findings of spinal cord ultrasonography between TCS patients and healthy individuals.

Methods

The current study is a case-control study of patients who were admitted to the Akbar and Ghaem Hospitals (Mashhad, Iran) in 2019. The study population comprised 30 children with TCS aged under two years old, and the control group included 34 healthy peers of the same age. The maximum distance of the spinal cord from the posterior canal wall was measured in millimeters using ultrasonography. Demographic and sonographic findings of each participant were recorded in checklists, which were then entered into SPSS software. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The study included 30 children with TCS and 34 healthy individuals with a mean age of 7.67±6.39 months. TCS patients had a significantly shorter maximum distance of the spinal cord from the posterior wall of the spinal canal than the control group (1.75±0.62 mm vs. 2.79±0.76, P<0.001). After performing corrective surgery, the TCS patients indicated significant improvement in this interval (1.57±0.54 mm to 2.95±0.49 mm, respectively, P=0.001).

Conclusion

In comparison to children without TCS, the spinal cord was substantially closer to the posterior canal wall in TCS patients. However, these outcomes were improved significantly in patients after surgery.

Role of ultrasonography in screening of spinal dysraphism in infants at risk

Background

Spinal dysraphism (SD) encompasses congenital spinal defects that result from inappropriate fusion of the different midline osseous, mesenchymal, and neural elements. The primary tools for diagnosis of SD are both spinal ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Spinal USG is growingly being used as an initial screening modality with sensitivities and accuracies equivalent to those of MRI. Anorectal malformations (ARM) have ultimate association with many other congenital abnormalities, of which spinal dysraphism is one of the most common. The main aim of study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of spinal USG as a screening modality in comparison with MRI in infants with closed spinal dysraphism. We also endeavored to highlight the associated spinal dysraphism radiological findings in patients with either ARM or back cutaneous stigmata.

Results

Our prospective diagnostic comparative study included 33 patients, all of whom underwent both MRI and USG. Both MRI and USG showed appreciable agreement in the assessment of spinal dysraphism. In comparison with the gold standard MRI, spinal USG revealed comparable diagnostic metrics: specificity (98.6–100%), sensitivity (66.6–91.6%), PPV (90–100%) and NPV (94.1–98.7%) in diagnosis of different types of spinal dysraphism. The main clinical presentation of nineteen patients was anorectal malformation (ARM), 11 of whom (57.9%) had evidence of associated spinal dysraphism. The most common types of ARM were cloacal malformation, recto-urethral fistula, and rectal atresia with no fistula. On the other hand, sixteen patients were mainly presented with back cutaneous stigmata, 11 of whom (68.8%) had associated spinal dysraphism. The most common presenting cutaneous stigmata were low back swelling and atypical dimples.

Conclusion

The front-line screening modality for infants with closed SD should be spinal USG, however, its main limitation is the restrained time window in the first 6 months of life. Infants with ARM should be screened for spinal anomalies, especially those with high and complex types. Infants with high-risk back cutaneous stigmata should be similarly screened, as well.

Recurrent tethering in conus lipomas: a late complication not to be ignored

BACKGROUNDS

Recurrent symptomatic tethered cord (RTC) is a long-term complication of spinal cord lipomas, responsible for progressive motor deficits, urologic dysfunction and aggravation of spinal deformities.We retrospectively analysed all cases of recurrent tethering after spinal cord lipoma surgery, the clinical and radiological features that led to the diagnosis, the surgical management and the neuro-orthopedic outcome at the last follow-up.

METHODS

The study was carried out over a period of 20 years on a total of 209 pediatric patients from a single institution, initially treated for a conus lipoma.

RESULTS

9 patients (4,8 %) were surgically treated for a RTC. The age at retethering ranged from 2 to 12 years -median of 7, 4 years. The time before the first and the second surgical procedure, ranged from 19 to 140 months - median of 7 years and a half. The follow-up period after the second surgery ranged from 3 months to 13 years with a median of 50 months. Among symptoms, pain responded very well to surgery. Gait disturbances improved in 50 % after the surgery. One patient with bladder dysfunctions also improved. The rest of the patients maintained the pre-surgical status.

CONCLUSIONS

When RTC is confirmed, child should be referred to surgery as soon as possible, as we showed that the post- operative clinical outcome improved and surgery did not worsen patients. We stressed the fact that the follow-up should be as long as possible for these patients.

Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta: A Frequency Analysis of Secular Change

Substantial relaxation of natural selection beginning around 1900 changed the mutation/selec­tion balance of modern genetic material, producing an increase in variable anatomical structures. While multiple structures have been affected, the temporal increase in variations of the sacrum, specifically, ‘Sa­cral Spina Bifida Occulta,’ have been reliably demonstrated on a localised scale. Calculation of largescale frequency has been hindered by the localised nature of these publications, the morphological variability of this variation, and potential pathological associations, which have produced divergent classifications, and conflicting reported rates of occurrence. A systematic review of the reported literature was conducted to provide an objective analysis of Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta frequency from 2500 BCE to the present. This review was designed to compensate for observed inconsistencies in reporting and to ascertain, for the first time, the temporal trajectory of this secular trend. A systematic review of Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta lit­erature was conducted through the strict use of clinical meta-analysis criteria. Publications were retrieved from four databases: PubMed, Embase, the Adelaide University Library database, and Google Scholar. Data were separated into three historical groups, (1 = <1900, 2 = 1900 to 1980 and 3 = >1980), and frequency outcomes compared, to determine temporal rates of occurrence. A total of 39/409 publications were included in the final analysis, representing data for 16,167 sacra, spanning a period of 4,500 years. Statistically significant results were obtained, with total open S1 frequen­cy increasing from 2.34%, (79 to 1900CE), to 4.80%, (1900 to 1980CE) and to 5.43% (>1980CE). These increases were significant at p<0.0001, with Chi-squared analysis. A clear secular increase in the global frequency of Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta has been demonstrated from 1900 to the present. This research provides a novel and adaptable framework for the future assessment of variation distribution, with impor­tant implications for the fields of biological anthropology and bioarchaeology.

Genodermatoses associated with melanocytic nevi

Though melanocytic nevi are ubiquitous in the general population, they can also be key cutaneous manifestations of genetic syndromes. We describe genodermatoses associated with melanocytic nevi and discuss their clinical characteristics, cutaneous manifestations, underlying genetics, and, if applicable, guidelines for when genetic testing should be performed. We categorized these genodermatoses based on their association with congenital nevi, acquired nevi, or nevi whose first appearance is unknown. In many cases, the distinctive morphology or distribution of melanocytic nevi can be an important clue that an underlying genetic syndrome is present, allowing both the patient as well as family members to be screened for the more serious complications of their genetic disorder and receive education on potential preventative measures. As we continue to advance our understanding of how various genotypes give rise to the wide spectrum of phenotypes observed in these genodermatoses, we shall be able to better stratify risk and tailor our screening methods to clinically manage the heterogeneous manifestations of genodermatoses among these patients.

International survey on the management of lumbosacral cutaneous stigmata in infants with suspected occult spinal dysraphism

OBJECTIVE

Occult spinal dysraphism (OSD) is a common pediatric neurosurgical diagnosis rife with controversy surrounding both the screening of asymptomatic infants and the threshold to offer a prophylactic detethering operation. The authors sought to clarify international practice patterns with a survey of pediatric neurosurgeons.

METHODS

A survey asked pediatric neurosurgeons whether they would perform imaging in patients with a variety of cutaneous stigmata associated with OSD and whether they would offer prophylactic detethering surgery for asymptomatic patients with a variety of imaging findings on the OSD spectrum.

RESULTS

Completed surveys were received from 141 pediatric neurosurgeons. Broad consensus was demonstrated on the need for obtaining images in sample patients with more severe stigmata ranging from large lipoma with a skin appendage to focal dysplastic skin in the lumbar midline. Ninety percent of respondents would perform MRI for these patients. In contrast, for patients with a low-sacral dimple, flat hemangioma, and symmetric (Y-shaped) splaying of the intergluteal cleft, opinion on the need for imaging varied considerably (between 57% and 89% recommended imaging). Respondents differed on the type of imaging that they would perform, with 31% to 38% recommending ultrasound screening. The responses reflected less consensus on when to offer surgery to patients with simple spinal tethering (low-lying conus medullaris and fatty filum terminale). Both a lower level of the conus and increased thickness of the filum terminale affected decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this survey showed significant consensus on the recommendation for screening imaging in patients with more dramatic cutaneous stigmata, although these stigmata are the rarest. A significant variance in opinions was reflected in the recommendation for imaging of the most common cutaneous stigmata. Consensus was also lacking on which lesions deserve prophylactic detethering surgery. Significant equipoise exists for future study of screening imaging and of surgical decision-making in patients with asymptomatic OSD and associated cutaneous stigmata.

Risk of occult spinal dysraphism based on lumbosacral cutaneous manifestations

Objectives:

Occult spinal dysraphism is a congenital failure of fusion of the posterior vertebral arches with intact skin overlying the defect. Lumbosacral cutaneous manifestations are associated with a variable risk of occult spinal dysraphism. Tethered cord syndrome is a type of occult spinal dysraphism that puts abnormal traction on the spinal cord. This study analyzed neonates and infants who were referred to our pediatric urology practice and had evidence of lumbosacral cutaneous manifestation on physical examination.

Methods:

We reviewed the presence of lumbosacral cutaneous manifestations in neonates and infants evaluated in our pediatric urology clinic at our Institution over a 6-year period (1 March, 2015–28 February, 2021) with no prior diagnosis of lumbosacral cutaneous manifestation. All patients underwent a spinal ultrasound.

Results:

The most common lumbosacral cutaneous manifestations were bifurcated/duplicated gluteal folds (33%), gluteal asymmetry (19%), and sacral dimples (14%). A total of 34 (24%) patients had an abnormal spinal ultrasound; 15 (44%) of these infants underwent a lumbar magnetic resonance imaging. A coccygeal pit was statistically marginally higher in abnormal versus normal spinal ultrasound (p = 0.07). Patients with only one lumbosacral cutaneous manifestation (N = 121) were significantly more likely to have a normal spinal ultrasound compared to those with two or more lumbosacral cutaneous manifestation (N = 17) (79% vs 53%, p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Due to the varying risk of certain lumbosacral cutaneous manifestations with occult spinal dysraphism, all patients with a lumbosacral cutaneous manifestation should undergo spinal ultrasound. This study also highlights the importance of urodynamic studies when there are abnormal cutaneous findings. Routine physical examinations of the lumbar region for cutaneous manifestations of occult spinal dysraphism are vital to ensure prompt management of tethered cord syndrome and avoid potentially devastating consequences.

Cutaneous Stigmata of the Spine: A Review of Indications for Imaging and Referral

Cutaneous stigmata of the midline spine are a common question in pediatrics. They are known to be related to a higher likelihood of underlying dysraphic spinal abnormalities. Clear understanding of different types of cutaneous stigmata and correlating dysraphic findings can aid in appropriate imaging workup and timely management of patient pathology. In this article, the authors review midline spinal cutaneous findings in the pediatric population with occult spinal dysraphism.

Familial tendency in patients with lipoma of the filum terminale

PURPOSE

Lipoma of the filum terminale (FL) is an abnormality in which fat is deposited in the filum terminale. This lipoma is often detected by skin abnormalities in the lumbosacral area such as a sacrococcygeal dimple. Some cases may develop tethered cord and become symptomatic. However, the genetic basis of FL is still unclear.

METHODS

This study aimed to determine whether there was a family history of FL or other forms of spina bifida among 54 families of 56 patients with FL and to examine whether there is a familial predisposition in FL. In addition, sex, age at diagnosis, presence of symptoms, presence of sacrococcygeal dimple, and the level of conus medullaris between familial and spontaneous cases were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 54 families of FL patients, there were 48 siblings. Among the 48 siblings, 2 had "occult" FL. The frequency of FL among siblings was estimated to be 4.2% (2/48), which was significantly higher than the sum of previously reported cases of spontaneous FL (0.91%; p = 0.017). However, there was no significant difference in sex, age at diagnosis, presence of symptoms, presence of sacrococcygeal dimple, diameter of filum terminale, or level of conus medullaris between familial and spontaneous cases.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report on familial FL and examination of the frequency of FL among siblings. The high probability of FL among siblings of FL patients suggests that genetic factors may play a role in FL development.

[Cutaneous signs of occult cranial and spinal dysraphism]

Dysraphism refers to neural tube closure abnormalities and midline closure abnormalities of the skin, paravertebral muscles, vertebrae and meninges. Cranial dysraphism (CD) and occult spinal dysraphism (OSD) may be discovered via evocative skin signs present at birth or appearing later in childhood or even in adulthood. This review describes the various types of skin signs associated with CD and OSD. All congenital midline skin lesions, particularly on the frontonasal area, the vertex or the occipitocervical and low back regions, should prompt suspicion of underlying dysraphism. The main evocative midline skin abnormalities are: (i) for underlying DCEO: a nodule, swelling, skin openings and hair collar sign or hair tuft; (ii) for underlying DSO, localized hypertrichosis, an atypical or complex lower back dimple, a dermoid fistula, infantile haemangioma, caudal appendage and lipoma. In the event of suspected DCEO or DSO, spinal or medullary MRI constitutes the reference examination.

Diagnostic value of spinal ultrasound compared to MRI for diagnosis of spinal anomalies in pediatrics

Background

Spinal dysraphism (SD) is a spectrum of congenital disorders. MRI is the gold standard technique for diagnosis of SD. Spinal ultrasonography (USG) can be used as a screening tool for SD in infants. The purpose of our study is to assess the diagnostic value of spinal USG in the diagnosis of spinal dysraphism in pediatrics compared to MRI as a gold standard technique. Our prospective, cross-sectional study involved 45 infants and children with suspected spinal dysraphism. All patients were subjected to supervision of their medical history, full neurological examination, spinal ultrasonography and anatomical spine assessment by conventional MRI examination including sagittal and axial T1W & T2W, sagittal & coronal STIR imaging. Comparison of spinal USG with MRI findings was done.

Results

There is excellent overall agreement between MRI and ultrasound diagnosis in the evaluation of spinal cord morphology and bony elements in patients aged ≤ 2 years old (κ = 0.96 and 0.98) respectively, and fair overall agreement between MRI and ultrasound diagnosis (κ = 0.58) in patients aged > 2 years old. The accuracy of spinal USG in diagnosis of spinal dysraphism in patients aged ≤ 2 years old was as the following: specificity (94.5–100%), sensitivity (84.3100%), PPV (86.7–100%) and NPV (85.7–100%), as compared to MRI.

Conclusion

Spinal ultrasound can be used as a first-line screening investigation for SD; patients with USG abnormalities proceed to MRI. Spinal ultrasound is of no worthy value after the age of bone ossification, and MRI is the best modality of diagnosis in older pediatrics.

Real spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality in pediatric patient with tight filum terminale following minor trauma: a case report

Background

Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) is defined as having “clinical symptoms of traumatic myelopathy with no radiographic or computed tomographic features of spinal fracture or instability”. The mechanism of pediatric SCIWORA following minor trauma is still unclear. Tight filum terminale (TFT) has been studied in the literature, but the information regarding the predisposing factor for SCIWORA is still being defined.

Case presentation

We report three cases of thoracic and lumber SCIWORA with TFT. The trauma was potentially mild in all cases but resulted in catastrophic damage of the cord. All patients had no signs or symptoms of tethered cord syndrome prior to the minor trauma. TFT was found during operation.

Conclusions

We suggest that TFT might be a predisposing factor for SCIWORA and chronic spinal cord traction play an important role in the mechanism of pediatric thoracic and lumber SCIWORA following minor trauma. Patients who never undergo treatment for TFT likely have an elevated risk of developing SCIWORA following minor trauma.

Pediatric tethered cord release: an epidemiological and postoperative complication analysis

Background

Tethered cord release (TCR) is a common procedure in pediatric neurosurgery. Despite a reputation for being relatively safe, the risk factors for postoperative complications are poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric Database (ACS-NSQIP-P) was reviewed to identify the demographics, risk factors, and 30-day postoperative complications for tethered cord release using univariate and multivariate analysis. A detailed analysis of reasons for readmission and reoperation was also performed.

Results

Three thousand and six hundred eighty-two pediatric patients were studied. Males undergoing TCR were younger (5.6 vs. 6.1 years) and had a higher rate of pre-operative comorbidities but lower 30-day complication rate versus females. Patients who later developed complications were more likely to require a microscope intraoperatively, had longer operative times, and worse preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class.

Conclusions

Despite being a relatively safe procedure, TCR in the pediatric population carries a finite risk of complications. In this large, international database study, males were found to have a greater number of risk factors prior to TCR, while females exhibit a higher risk of developing postoperative complications. This paper provides a large sample size of multi institutional pediatric patients undergoing TCR and may serve as a contemporary "snapshot" for future studies.

Dorsal midline cutaneous stigmata associated with occult spinal dysraphism in pediatric patients

PURPOSE

To investigate the prevalence of occult spinal dysraphism (OSD) and subsequent neurosurgery in pediatric patients with isolated or combined dorsal midline cutaneous stigmata with or without other congenital malformations.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective review of patients who underwent sonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for OSD because of suspicion of dorsal midline cutaneous stigmata (presumed to be a marker for OSD) between January 2012 and June 2017. Information about patient characteristics, physical examination findings, spinal ultrasound and MRI results, neurosurgical notes, and accompanying congenital anomalies was collected.

RESULTS

Totally 250 patients (249 ultrasound and one MRI screening) were enrolled for analysis. Eleven patients underwent secondary MRI examinations. The prevalence of OSD confirmed by an MRI was 2.4% (6 patients including one MRI screening). Five patients (2%) had tethered cord and underwent prophylactic neurosurgery, 3 of whom had a sacrococcygeal dimple and a fibrofatty mass. Prevalence of tethered cord increased as markers associated with a sacrococcygeal dimple increased (0.5% of the isolated marker group, 8.1% of the 2-marker group, and 50% of the 3-marker group). Incidence of OSD with surgical detethering in 17 other congenital anomaly patients was 11.8%, which was higher than the 1.3% in 233 patients without other congenital anomalies.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the presence of dorsal midline cutaneous stigmata, particularly fibrofatty masses, along with a sacrococcygeal dimple is associated with OSD or cord tethering requiring surgery. OSD should be suspected in patients with concurrent occurrence of other congenital anomalies.

Incidence of symptomatic tethered spinal cord in pediatric patients presenting with neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2

OBJECTIVE The relationship between a tethered cord (TC) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and NF2 is not known. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence of TC in pediatric neurosurgical patients who present with NF. METHODS The authors performed a single-institution (tertiary care pediatric hospital) 10-year retrospective analysis of patients who were diagnosed with or who underwent surgery for a TC and/or NF. Clinical and radiological characteristics were analyzed, as was histopathology. RESULTS A total of 424 patients underwent surgery for a TC during the study period, and 67 patients with NF were seen in the pediatric neurosurgery clinic. Of these 67 patients, 9 (13%) were diagnosed with a TC, and filum lysis surgery was recommended. Among the 9 patients with NF recommended for TC-release surgery, 4 (44%) were female, the mean age was 8 years (range 4-14 years), the conus position ranged from L1-2 to L-3, and 3 (33%) had a filum lipoma, defined as high signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images. All 9 of these patients presented with neuromotor, skeletal, voiding, and/or pain-related symptoms. Histopathological examination consistently revealed dense fibroconnective tissue and blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS Despite the lack of any known pathophysiological relationship between NF and TC, the incidence of a symptomatic TC in patients with NF1 and NF2 who presented for any reason to this tertiary care pediatric neurosurgery clinic was 13%. Counseling patients and families regarding TC symptomatology might be indicated in this patient population.

Occult spinal dysraphisms in newborns with skin markers: role of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to investigate occult spinal dysraphisms (OSD) using lumbar ultrasonography (LUS) in newborns presenting with specific skin markers or sacrococcygeal dimple.

METHOD

From 2012 to 2015, we performed LUS in newborns with cutaneous stigmata and/or sacroccygeal dimple. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in all patients with abnormal ultrasound or features of neurological involvement in order to detect spinal lesions.

RESULTS

We prospectively evaluated 475 newborns who presented cutaneous stigmata performing LUS during their 4 weeks of life though 439 completed the study. All patients had a follow-up of almost 12 months. Of these, 39 presented abnormal ultrasonography and underwent MRI. In this group, spinal dysraphism was confirmed in 12 patients. When considering skin markers, dermal sinus correlated with higher risk of spinal cord lesions, on the other hand the presence of simple sacral dimple alone denoted a very low risk of occult spinal dysraphism. The simultaneous presence of more skin markers and/or the presence of lumbar ultrasonography abnormality regarding the level of the conus, pulsatility, and the position of the cord, thickness of the filum terminale, or the presence of an intratecal mass, lipoma, or dermal sinus tract indicated the necessity to perform MRI in order to detect spinal cord abnormalities because of higher risk of spinal lesions.

CONCLUSION

LUS in newborns with specific skin markers is a valid method to select patients in which MRI can be performed to detect OSD. The presence of a simple sacral dimple alone is a negligible marker for occult neural pathology while the presence of isolated dermal sinus or more than one cutaneous marker could be considered indicative of higher risk of spinal dysraphism.