Lateral Meningomyelocele in a Neonate: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Meningocele and meningomyelocele are congenital conditions involving protrusion of the meninges and/or spinal cord through a defect in the vertebral column.
• Lateral presentations of these conditions are exceptionally uncommon in medical literature.
• The majority of reported lateral meningoceles are associated with complex syndromes, making isolated cases exceedingly rare.

Observation:

• A neonate presented with a lateral gluteal mass.
• Clinical and imaging evaluations confirmed the presence of a meningomyelocele.
• Crucially, the condition appeared isolated, without evidence of other congenital anomalies or syndromes.

Findings:

• The case represents an isolated lateral gluteal meningomyelocele, a highly infrequent congenital anomaly.
• This contrasts with the typical association of lateral meningoceles with broader genetic or developmental syndromes.
• The successful identification of this isolated presentation expands the known spectrum of neural tube defects.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering isolated neural tube defects even in rare anatomical locations.
• Further research into the etiology and specific management of isolated lateral meningomyelocele is warranted.
• Understanding such rare presentations can refine diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for congenital spinal defects in neonates.