Split-cord malformation and accompanying anomalies

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.

MR examinations of 23 patients with SCM were carried out in our hospital between June 2002 and May 2007 and retrospectively analysed.

Nineteen (82.6%) patients were diagnosed as type I SCM, while four (17.4%) were diagnosed as type II SCM. The most commonly involved site of SCM was the dorsolumbar area (47.8%) while 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%).

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.