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A Practical Approach to Diagnosis of Spinal Dysraphism
Bárbara Trapp1, Tomás de Andrade Lourenção Freddi1, Monique de Oliveira Morais Hans1
1From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros 800, São Paulo SP 04024-002, Brazil (B.T., M.d.O.M.H., I.F.T.L.C., E.F., L.C.A.R., S.B., D.M.C.C., H.C.J., N.A., L.A.T.T., E.T.T., G.D.G.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, Hospital do Coração (HCor), São Paulo, Brazil (T.d.A.L.F.); and Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, Fundação Instituto de Pesquisa e Estudo de Diagnóstico por Imagem (FIDI), São Paulo, Brazil (B.T., M.d.O.M.H., I.F.T.L.C., L.C.A.R., S.B., L.A.T.T.).
Spinal dysraphisms (SDs) are congenital spinal cord malformations arising from abnormal embryologic development. Understanding these conditions is key for diagnosis and classification of these diverse abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Pediatric neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Spinal dysraphisms (SDs) are congenital malformations of the spinal cord.
- They result from disruptions in embryonic development and present a wide spectrum of clinical severity.
- Associated malformations can significantly impact quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of understanding normal spinal cord embryology.
- To provide a framework for understanding the pathogenesis and classification of SDs.
- To aid in the neuroradiologic diagnosis of congenital spinal cord malformations.
Main Methods:
- Review of embryologic development of the spinal cord (gastrulation, primary and secondary neurulation).
- Classification of SDs into open and closed groups based on clinical and neuroradiologic findings.
- Discussion of the diagnostic challenges in congenital spinal cord malformations.
Main Results:
- Knowledge of normal embryogenesis is fundamental for comprehending SDs.
- SDs are categorized into open and closed types.
- These malformations present diverse imaging and clinical features, posing diagnostic challenges.
Conclusions:
- Understanding spinal cord embryology is crucial for diagnosing and classifying spinal dysraphisms.
- Spinal dysraphisms represent a heterogeneous group of congenital malformations.
- Accurate diagnosis requires expertise in neuroradiology due to the complexity of these conditions.
