Cervical myelocystocele: Case report and review of literature
Ramesh V V Chandra1, Phani M Kumar
1Department of Neurosurgery, GSL Medical College and General Hospital, Rajahmundry, India.
Insights
Rare cervical spinal dysraphisms can recur, leading to syringohydromyelia and tethered cord. Early diagnosis and surgical detethering are crucial to prevent future neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Spinal Dysraphism
Background:
- Cervical spinal dysraphisms are uncommon, with limited follow-up data.
- Posterior cervical cystic lesions require careful long-term monitoring.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old boy with a history of posterior cervical cystic lesion repair presented with recurrence.
- The recurrence manifested as significant syringohydromyelia and a tethered cord.
Findings:
- Tethered cord syndrome should be suspected in cases of meningocele with preserved neurological function.
- Intradural exploration and detethering are essential for managing complex cervical spinal dysraphisms.
Implications:
- Timely surgical intervention can prevent progressive neurological deterioration.
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive management for spinal dysraphisms.
Abstract:
Dysraphisms involving cervical region are very rare and there are very few series describing their follow-up in literature. Here, we report a 6-year-old boy who underwent postnatal "cosmetic" repair of posterior cervical cystic lesion and presented to us with a large recurrence with syringohydromyelia and tethering. Tethered cord should be suspected in the presence of meningocele and intact neurology. Treatment protocols of such complicated cervical spinal dysraphisms should include intradural exploration and detethering, with an aim to prevent neurological deterioration in future.
