TWO RARE CASES OF DIASTEMATOMYELIA

Abstract

Background Diastematomyelia involving
more than one level is rare that too involving
the cervical region and it has to be corrected
at the earliest to avoid the neurological
symptomsoccurrence and also to
avoid the worsening of the symptoms.
Case presentation We report two
rare cases of diastematomyelia or split
cord malformation, one with more than one
level (cervical and lumbar) split cord by
bony spur (type1at lumbar and type2 at
cervical) and another case of split cord
due to fibrous septum (type2). 12 year old
boy, a known case of spinal dysraphism
underwent myelomeningocele correction at
newborn presented with fluid discharging
sinus in the cervical segment in midline
posterior aspect and imaging showed cervical
and lumbar split cord due to bony
septum. Another case of 9 year old female

child presented with bladder dysfunction,
imaging showedlumbar split cord by the
fibrous band.Conclusion craniospinal MRI
remains the choice, as this will not only
delineate cord anatomy, but also screen
the entire neuraxis for other associated
cranial and spinal anomalies. In order to
avoid irreversible damage to the neural
tissue, surgical intervention must be instituted
as soon as diagnosis is made.