[Caudal vertebro-medullary dysrhaphia. Intra-sacral forms]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Sacral spinal dysraphisms encompass a spectrum of congenital anomalies.
• Meningeal intrasacral diverticulum, previously termed intrasacral occult meningocele, represents a rare variant.
• Understanding the pathophysiology and clinical presentation is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current theories regarding sacral spinal dysraphisms.
• To report on four cases of meningeal intrasacral diverticulum.
• To highlight the preferred terminology and surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of sacral spinal dysraphism theories.
• Clinical case series reporting four patients with meningeal intrasacral diverticulum.
• Surgical intervention and outcome assessment.

Main Results:

• Four cases of meningeal intrasacral diverticulum were identified and treated.
• Late-onset vesical incontinence was the primary presenting symptom in these cases.
• Surgical intervention led to the complete resolution of urinary incontinence.

Conclusions:

• Meningeal intrasacral diverticulum is a distinct entity within sacral spinal dysraphisms.
• Late vesical incontinence is a key indicator for this condition.
• Surgical management offers a favorable prognosis with symptom resolution.