Cystic Cervical Dysraphism: A Single Institution Experience and Outcome from a Case Series

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The Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cystic cervical dysraphism is considered a rare entity. It has more frequent congenital anomalies than their lumbosacral variety. Most of these lesions are sympto-matic in childhood period due to progressive tethering of spinal cord or nerve root. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all cases underwent surgery for cystic cervical dysraphism from July 2016 to July 2021 at the Aburish Pediatric Hospital, Cairo University. All patients were neurologically and radio-logically assessed. Neurological outcome was noted at the last follow-up. Results: Twelve children (7 females and 5 males) were operated upon. The mean age was 20.8±13.8 (range, 4-48) months. Meningocele was found in five patients (41.7%). Other five children (41.7%) had a thick stalk with lipomatous nodular swelling. One patient (8.3%) had myelocystocele. Another patient (8.3%) was suffering from myelomeningocele. Five cases were hydrocephalic; two of them underwent ven-triculoperitoneal shunt insertion prior to surgery. Associated anomalies were present in nine children (75%). For the neurological outcome, we have noted no signs of neurological deterioration after surgery in all patients. Conclusions: Provided that there is no or minimal neuro-logical deterioration at time of presentation, the outcome of surgery for cystic cervical dysraphism is excellent. The surgery helps in improving the cosmetic results, preventing the devel-opment of further neurological deterioration, and minimizing the infection. This is achieved mostly by efficient untethering.

Keywords

The Medical Journal of Cairo University
Volume 90, Issue 3
March
March 2022
Pages 195-200

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