Myelomeningocele

Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Part of the spectrum of spinal dysraphism which is the congenital separation of pedicles and lamina of vertebral bodies associated with non fusion defects and disorganization of neural tube elements. Other types of spinal dysraphism include dermoid cyst, congenital dermoid sinus, lipoma, diastematomyelia, split notochord syndrome, neurenteric fistula, and tethered cord syndrome. Meningocele is herniation of the meninges through the dysraphic spine. A meningomyelocele is herniation of the meninges and spinal cord through the dysraphic spine.

Pathology:
Not applicable

Imaging Findings:
On plain film you see increased interpedicular distance extending over several vertebral levels.

DDX:

• Not applicable

References:
See References Chapter.

Section Top | Title Page

See related Provider Topics Brain and Nervous System, Genetics/Birth Defects or Neural Tube Defects.

See related Patient Topics Brain and Nervous System or Genetics/Birth Defects.

All contents copyright © 1992-2004 the Author(s) and The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.

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