Sacral nevus flammeus simplex: the role of imaging

Neonates with midline lumbar, thoracic, or occipital cutaneous lesions should be suspected of having spinal dysraphism and should undergo an imaging study. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether sacral nevus flammeus simplex (SNFS) in neonates is associated with spinal dysraphism. During a period of 6 months, we prospectively examined all neonates in our center for the presence of SNFS. Those affected were evaluated for associated anomalies by physical and neurologic examination and ultrasound imaging of the lumbosacral area. Twenty-eight of 3623 neonates (0.77%) were diagnosed as having SNFS. In 64% of the SNFS patients, nevus flammeus simplex (NFS) was noted as well. Physical and neurologic examinations were unremarkable. Ultrasound imaging of the lumbosacral area was performed in 25 patients (89%) and revealed diastematomyelia in one. The results show that SNFS may constitute the only cutaneous sign of spinal dysraphism. In conclusion, we recommend that neonates with SNFS be investigated for occult spinal dysraphism.