Cervical myelomeningocele with CSF leakage: a case-based review

Childs Nerv Syst. 2020 Nov;36(11):2615-2620. doi: 10.1007/s00381-020-04743-y. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Abstract

Background: The cystic spinal dysraphism of the cervical and upper thoracic region (CDCT) accounts for only 3.9 to 8% of spina bifida cystica lesions. The presence of external cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is infrequent and very few authors have reported about surgical complications.

Case report: We present the case of a new born diagnosed of CDCT C1-C3 with a stalk of fibrovascular tissue, CSF leakage, hydrocephalus, and type Chiari II malformation, discuss about the chosen surgical technique and the associated complications, and make a review of the literature focusing on the main aspects of CDCT.

Conclusions: The CDCT with a stalk of neuroglial and/or fibrovascular tissue originates from the dorsal surface of the spinal cord and penetrates into a cervical cystic sac. The presence of CSF leakage, hydrocephalus, and/or type Chiari II malformation can influence to decide the most appropriate surgical technique.

Keywords: CSF leakage; Cervical meningocele; Cervical myelomeningocele; Spina bifida cystica; Spinal dysraphism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation* / complications
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation* / diagnostic imaging
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydrocephalus* / etiology
  • Hydrocephalus* / surgery
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Meningomyelocele* / complications
  • Meningomyelocele* / diagnostic imaging
  • Meningomyelocele* / surgery
  • Spina Bifida Cystica*
  • Spinal Dysraphism* / complications
  • Spinal Dysraphism* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Dysraphism* / surgery