Diastematomyelia - a report of two cases

Diastematomyelia means sagittal division of the spinal cord into two hemi cords. It is a congenital malformation which results from an abnormal adhesion between ectoderm and endoderm. It is more common in females (3:1). This abnormal adhesion which splits the cord may be in the form of fibrous tissue or purely a calcific bar or purely an ossific bar or even a combination of the earlier mentioned entities. The health impacts of this entity are enormous, as the patients may be asymptomatic to begin with, until gradually; progressive spinal cord dysfunction sets in. Imaging plays a vital role in establishing the diagnosis and it may aid in easing the quality of life by making an early diagnosis. The affected individual and the afflicted families need psycho-social guidance and counselling. We are presenting here, imaging findings in two cases of diastematomyelia.