The management of anterior sacral meningocele with computed tomography

This report concerns a case of anterior sacral meningocele (ASM) with an evaluation of the diagnostic reliability of the CT scan for the management of this condition and others concerning the vertebral column and pelvis. This technic makes a precise preoperative survey possible by the direct demonstration of the lesion and its extension, by the measurement of its density and by the visualization of its pedicle, as well as easy and atraumatic postoperative control. ASM is a congenital meningeal cyst, herniating through a bony defect of the sacrum. It often remains undetected, since it is a rather rare condition and difficult to visualize with simple diagnostic procedures. An early diagnosis of this basically benign condition is nevertheless very important, because of the serious pitfalls that may arise.