Fetal Diastematomyelia: Rare Case

A ten -month-old infant with Diastematomyelia, as a very rare variety of spinal dysraphism is presented in this article Routine USG in a 36 weeks pregnant woman revealed a spinal abnormality of the fetus in thoracolumbar [D12-L1] regions. At birth, examination of the newborn showed a small midline swelling and bluish discoloration of skin and scoliosis in the lumbar region. There was associated umbilical hernia.no neurological deficit was noted. Postnatally 8 month plane radiograph showed multiple deformed dorsal vertebrae and mild scoliosis.MR imaging revealed diastematomyelia was seen at thoracolumbar [D12-L1] regions. It was type I with a bony spur measuring 1.0 X0.5 cm the two hemicords were asymmetrical. There was no cord tethering. The conus ended at the L4 level. . There was associated thoracolumbar spina bifida measuring 1.6 cm with a small meningocele measuring 2.5 X 0.6 cm. multilevel syringohydromelia and multiple deformed dorsal vertebrae and mild scoliosis of dorsal spine was seen. Thus what makes this case different is inspite of having so many microanatomical defects, there is no neurologic deficit. So its advisible to do corrective surgery to avoid further complicatiionsthethered cord syndrome before the baby starts to take steps.