Split cord malformation in two sisters

Split cord malformations (SCMs) are uncommon congenital spinal anomalies and are seen mostly in females. SCMs in siblings are extremely rare. We report two sisters with SCM. These 10- and 8-year-old girls were the first and second children, respectively, of nonconsanguineous parents. Both sisters had a hypertrichosis and pes cavus deformity. The first child had a type I SCM and the second a type II SCM. They had additional spinal lesions, with tethering of the spinal cord. They were operated on and showed an uneventful postoperative course. All reported siblings with SCM have been female. The present data are not sufficient to account for the sex predilection. Therefore, further data and knowledge are needed. (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel