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Prenatal diagnosis of split cord malformation by ultrasound and fetal magnetic resonance imaging: case report and review of the literature

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Abstract

Introduction

Split cord malformation (SCM) is rare congenital disorder of spine in which bony, fibrous, or cartilaginous septum subdivides partially or completely the vertebral canal. SCM can be associated with other spinal abnormalities such as spina bifida, Arnold–Chiari malformation, hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra, or kyphoscoliosis and also can be seen as part of Jarcho–Levin syndrome. Prenatal diagnosis of SCM is possible by ultrasonography (US). Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and amniotic fluid acetylcholine esterase (AF-AChE) levels can be helpful to rule out additional anomalies. We present a case of fetal SCM diagnosed by US and fetal MRI.

Case

An 18-year-old woman with no obstetrics risk factor was referred for routine US screening. At sagittal section, fetal spine was seen to be disordered. A coronal view of the spinal canal showed evidence of widening at the lower thoracic and lumbar level. An echogenic mass was identified within the enlarged spinal canal at level of T6–L5. Fetal MRI and AF-AChE analysis confirmed diagnosis and ruled out other anomalies and spina bifida. Neurological examination of the baby at 16 months of age was normal.

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Acknowledgments

This work has been submitted as a poster in the Turkey Maternal Fetal Medicine and Perinatology Association, the 8th National Congress, which will be held between 11 and 14 October 2012 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Conflict of interest

There is no source of funding and the authors share no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gevher Nesibe Hospital, Erciyes University, 38039, Kayseri, Turkey

    Mehmet Serdar Kutuk, Mahmut Tuncay Ozgun & Mustafa Tas

  2. Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey

    Hatice Gamze Poyrazoglu

  3. Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey

    Ali Yikilmaz

Authors
  1. Mehmet Serdar Kutuk
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  2. Mahmut Tuncay Ozgun
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  3. Mustafa Tas
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  4. Hatice Gamze Poyrazoglu
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  5. Ali Yikilmaz
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Correspondence to Mahmut Tuncay Ozgun.

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Kutuk, M.S., Ozgun, M.T., Tas, M. et al. Prenatal diagnosis of split cord malformation by ultrasound and fetal magnetic resonance imaging: case report and review of the literature. Childs Nerv Syst 28, 2169–2172 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-012-1900-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-012-1900-z

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