Diastematomyelia could be diagnosed on prenatal sonography

Introducton

Diastematomyelia is a rare congenital anomaly that results in the "splitting" of the spinal cord in a longitudinal (sagittal) direction.

Objective

We present a case of diastematomyelia diagnosed prenatally in our institution as well as a review of the literature in order to determine the importance of ultrasound prenatal diagnosis of the isolated case of diastematomyelia.

Methods

The diastematomyelia case, was detected at 23 weeks gestation by ultrasonography examination which was performed by suprapubic approach. It was presented with disorganization of bony process of the vertebral column with a midline echogenic bony spur, asymmetrical hemicords. The liveborn fetuse was examined by a pediatric neurologist.
A search was then conducted using PubMed to review previously reported cases in the literature.

Conclusion

Prenatal diagnosis is generally made in the second trimester. Intrauterine diagnosis of diastematomyelia should facilitate appropriate management of affected cases.

Keywords

Prenatal diagnosis; diastematomyelia