Split cervical spinal cord malformation and vertebral dysgenesis.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Developmental Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Split cord malformation (SCM) is a rare congenital anomaly of the spinal cord.
• Type II SCM involves a non-bony septum dividing the cord.
• Cervicothoracic SCM is exceptionally rare, making this case noteworthy.

Observation:

• An 11-year-old male presented with a diagnosed type II split cord malformation at the cervicothoracic level.
• The diagnosis was established prenatally via ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• The patient was asymptomatic and had not undergone surgical intervention.

Findings:

• The case highlights a rare presentation of vertebral malformation with diplomyelia, consistent with type II split cord malformation.
• Prenatal diagnosis through advanced imaging (ultrasound, MRI) enabled early identification.
• The cervicothoracic location of the malformation is an unusual feature.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of prenatal screening for spinal cord anomalies.
• Understanding embryological theories is key to explaining SCM pathogenesis.
• Long-term clinical surveillance is essential, with surgical intervention reserved for cases of neurological deterioration.