FETAL SPINE

when do most spinal problems occur

defective neural tube closing during 4th week of embryonic development

neural tube defects will elevate

AFP

open spinal dysraphisms include

• meningocele

• myelomeningocele

close spinal dysraphisms include

• spinal dermal sinus

• lipomyelomeningocele

• distematomyelia

• neurenteric cysts

• thick filum terminale

tight filum terminale syndrome

incomplete involution of distal spinal cord during embryogeneis

• always associated wtih spinal cord tethering and abnormally positioned conus medullaris (below L2-L3)

• exceeds 2mm

tethered spinal cord

malformation when spinal cord is attached to the surrounding tissue

neural tube defects involving the vertebral arches are refferred to as

spina bifida

types of spina bifida

• myelomeningocele

• meningocele

• occulta

myelomeningocele

severest form

• spinal cord and its protective covering (meninges) protrude from opening in spine

meningocele

spinal cord develops normally but meninges protrude from spinal opening

• skin mostly intact

spina bifida occulta

mildest form (closed)

• one or more vertebrae malformed and covered by a layer of skin

• tuft of hair, dimple, red mark

myeloschisis/rachischis

complete spina bifida - most severe

• opened flattened spinal cord exposed

• nerve tissue bully bare

msot cases of spina bifida are

aperta (open)

• 80%

what malformation is often associated with spina bifida (meningomyelocele)

Chiari II

what are the most common congenital tumour in newborn

sacrococcygeal teratoma

caudal regression syndrome is strongly associated with

poorly controlled diabetes

VACTERL

• vertebral anomalies

• imperforate anus

• cardiac malformations

• tracheoesophageal fistula

• renal dysplasia

• limb abnormalities