Intramedullary spinal cord abscess: The result of a missed congenital dermal sinus

J Paediatr Child Health. 2015 Feb;51(2):223-5. doi: 10.1111/jpc.12707. Epub 2014 Aug 7.

Abstract

Congenital dermal sinus (CDS) and occult spinal dysraphism are suspected when a cutaneous marker overlies the spine of a newborn. CDS can have the appearance of a simple dimple and occur within the gluteal cleft without any skin markers. CDS are the commonest cause of intramedullary spinal cord abscess.

Keywords: dermal sinus; occult spinal dysraphism; spinal cord abscess.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / etiology*
  • Abscess / pathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Spina Bifida Occulta / complications
  • Spina Bifida Occulta / diagnosis*
  • Spina Bifida Occulta / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / pathology*
  • Spine / abnormalities*
  • Spine / pathology