[Diastematomyelia: a form of spinal dysraphism]

Diastematomyelia is a rare form of occult spinal dysraphism (less than 3 % of cases) that is more frequent in children and mainly affects females. Clinically, there are three groups of manifestations: cutaneous, neurological and orthopedic deformities. We present the case of an 11-year-old girl with a recent, incidental diagnosis of diastematomyelia. Although this entity is unusual, it should be considered together with other forms of spinal dysraphism in children with congenital cutaneous markers of spinal dysraphism, even when these are vague and the patient is asymptomatic. Due to the frequency with which cutaneous manifestations appear, the intervention of a dermatologist is desirable in the diagnosis of this entity. A high index of suspicion is important when evaluating neonates and infants, given that an early diagnosis can alter neurologic prognosis, improving the quality of life of these patients.