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Cerebral abnormalities in infants with myelomeningocele

George A Alexiou1, Maria K Zarifi, George Georgoulis

  • 1Aetideon 52, Holargos, Attikis, 11561, Greece. alexiougrg@yahoo.gr

Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska
|March 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in infants with myelomeningocele reveals frequent abnormalities, including hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation. Comprehensive neuraxis imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of these complex brain abnormalities.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuroradiology
  • Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

  • Myelomeningocele is a severe birth defect with significant neurological implications.
  • Infants with myelomeningocele often present with associated brain abnormalities.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis of these abnormalities is critical for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the spectrum of brain abnormalities in infants diagnosed with myelomeningocele.
  • To determine the frequency of specific neuroanatomical findings on brain MRI in this population.
  • To assess the diagnostic utility of imaging studies in myelomeningocele.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 24 infants with myelomeningocele who underwent both spinal and brain MRI.
  • Patients were evaluated between June 1995 and June 2008.
  • Data collected included age, sex, and detailed findings from brain MRI.

Main Results:

  • Hydrocephalus was present in 87.5% of patients, often requiring shunting.
  • High prevalence of corpus callosum abnormalities (total/partial agenesis, dysplasia) and Chiari malformation (67%).
  • Other common findings included small posterior fossa (74%), cerebellar/brain stem hypoplasia, and white matter abnormalities.

Conclusions:

  • Brain MRI in myelomeningocele patients reveals a high incidence of significant abnormalities.
  • Imaging of the myelomeningocele site alone is insufficient.
  • Comprehensive neuraxis imaging is recommended for all infants with myelomeningocele.
Abstract

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