PROFILE & PATTERN OF PATIENTS WITH SPINAL-DYSRAPHISM: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY FROM CENTRAL INDIA

Abstract

Background: Spinal-cord congenital malformations are collectively referred to as spinal-dysraphism. Typically, such disorders are detected at birth or in initial childhood, but others can be present in matured children or adults. Due to the emergence of newer imaging modalities including MRI, spinal lesions are gradually being diagnosed.

Aims and Objectives: To review the pattern of clinically diagnosed spinal-dysraphia cases.

Materials and Method: 100 cases were included in the study of clinically suspected spinal-dysraphism. All the patients underwent MRI of the spine after informed consent was obtained. MRI spine results were reviewed and analysed and scientifically correlated.

Results: In the age group 20 years (70 percent) and prevalent in girls than boys, the peak incidence of congenital spinal lesions was seen. In 39 per cent of patients, subcutaneous mass was found, while curvature abnormality was seen in 43 per cent of patients. Lumbar curvature was the most frequently involved among the patients with curvature abnormality. The most common vertebral anomaly (46 percent) was spina-bifida, then Block vertebra (24 percent) and Hemi -vertebra (23 percent).

Conclusion: In younger girls, spinal-dysraphism was prevalent. The majority of patients have subcutaneous mass and curvature defects with involvement in the lumbar region. The most common spinal abnormalities after that spina-bifida, tethered spine, scoliosis-kyphosis, syrinx and diastemato-myelia  were vertebral-anomalies under MRI.

Keywords: spinal-dysraphism, magnetic resonance imaging, congenital spinal disorders.