ABSTRACT
Background:Spinal dysraphism occurs due to failure of fusion of parts along dorsal aspect of midline structures lying along spinal axis from skin to vertebrae and spinal cord. Congenital spinal anomalies may be minimal and asymptomatic like spinal bifida occulta, or severe with marked neurological deficits like Arnold-Chiari malformation or caudal regression syndrome. Aim: To compare the results obtained from Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in patients with spinal dysraphism. Methods: A total of 50 patients of age group new born to 06 months, who had signs of spinal dysraphism, were included. The patients were subjected to spinal USS and MR imaging after obtaining informed written consent from parents. All the images were reviewed by experienced radiologists who were blinded to the results of other investigative modalities. The findings of the MRI were compared with USS examination. Results: Out of 50 patients, 98 percent patient were detected to hydromyelia, 94 percent of tethering of cord, 92 percent of lumboacaral MMC and 88 percent cases were of Associated Arnold Chiari type II malformation (AC). Only 10% of patients had cervicothoracic meningomyelocele, diastematomyelia and intraspinal lipoma as their primary pathologies. Sensitivity and specificity of USS were 100 in diagnosing most of the spinal deformities. The mean time required for the MRI examination was 26.96 min; however in comparison ultrasonography took less mean time (10.62 min). Conclusion: Paediatric spinal dysraphism and associated malformations are accurately diagnosed on MRI scan. On the other hand, limited access to MR imaging together with high costs and the need for extensive preparation of the patients diminishes its suitability as a screening method for spinal dysraphism