A comparative study of histopathological analysis of filum terminale in patients with tethered cord syndrome and in normal human fetuses.

BACKGROUND The structural changes in filum terminale (FT) may be responsible for tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in children. Although the histological changes in FT related to TCS are well-known, there is no comparative study of the changes which occur in TCS and normal fetal FT samples. The aims of this study are to compare the histological changes which occurred in FT samples of TCS and in fetuses, and to point out these changes. METHODS During the last 2 years, 14 cases of TCS were operated on, the FT was cut and the spinal cord was released. Among them, 6 samples of FT were obtained for histopathological examination. Moreover, 1 FT from an adult cadaver and 4 samples from fetal FT were obtained for the same examination. RESULTS While adipose tissue, fibrosis, hyalinization, and meningothelial proliferation were observed in FT samples of TCS, none of these findings were observed in fetal samples. Elastic fibers were present in all TCS specimens and the adult cadaver, but were not observed in fetuses. Peripheral nerves, ganglion cells and ependymal cells were observed in fetal FT samples. CONCLUSION These changes probably begin at birth.