Meningocele manqué: radiologic findings with clinical correlation

PURPOSE

To determine whether meningocele manqué can be detected by neuroimaging techniques in dysraphic patients.

METHODS

We reviewed the records and imaging studies of 16 patients with surgically proved meningocele manqué seen at our institution between 1989 and 1990. Both CT and MR imaging techniques were used. CT of the spine was performed immediately following contrast myelography.

RESULTS

Nine of 16 patients (CT, four; and MR, five) showed evidence of meningocele manqué which corresponded to intraoperative findings. Fourteen of 16 patients were found to have diastematomyelia, eight with medium septum and six without a septum. Associated findings included syrinx (six), lipoma (five), dermoid cyst (one), and neuroenteric cyst (one). After completing this review, we were able to prospectively diagnose dorsal bands in two new patients; these bands were confirmed at surgery.

CONCLUSION

Dorsal bands can be detected in dysraphic patients with CT or MR using operative findings as a road map.

MR imaging of spinal cord hemangioblastoma associated with syringomyelia

A case of isolated spinal cord hemangioblastoma with associated extensive syringohydromyelia, which was evaluated by myelography, postmyelographic CT, magnetic resonance (MR), and angiography is presented. The specific preoperative and postoperative advantages of MR are given as well as a brief review of the literature.