Split-cord malformation and accompanying anomalies

Objective. - To present the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances of spinal split-cord malformation (SCM) and to investigate the various types of congenital spinal disorders associated with SCM. Materials and methods. - MR examinations of 23 patients with SCM were carried out in our hospital between June 2002 and May 2007 and retrospectively analysed. Results. - Nineteen (82.6%) patients were diagnosed as type I SCM, white four (17.4%) were diagnosed as type II SCM. The most commonly involved site of SCM was the dorsolumbar area (47.8%) white cervical involvement was the least common (4.3%). No accompanying congenital spinal disorders were detected in four patients (17.4%). In 19 patients (82.6%), congenital spinal disorders accompanying SCM were detected, the most common of which was a low-lying cord, found in 14 patients (60.9%). Other anomalies included hydromyelia in seven patients (30.4%), lipoma in six (26%), meningomyelocele in four (17.4%), thick filum in three (13%) and dermoid cyst in three (13%). Conclusion. - In preoperative planning for SCM, its characteristics and those of the accompanying anomalies should be determined. MRI is a valuable tool for making such determinations. (C) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.