Cervical diastematomyelia presenting in adulthood. Case report

A case of cervical diastematomyelia in an adult is reported. The patient first noted sensory and motor symptoms at 34 years of age after two episodes of cervical trauma. Metrizamide computerized tomography myelography of the cervical spine and cord showed the region of diastematomyelia and revealed a spur containing both bone and fat tissue projecting into the spinal canal and cord. The spur arose from the laminae and spinous processes of C-2 and C-3, and was successfully excised. Postoperatively, the patient's deficits gradually improved. The literature concerning adult cervical diastematomyelia is reviewed.