ABSTRACT
Spinal dysraphism refers to abnormalities with imperfect fusion of midline neural and bony structures of the spine. It is the most common congenital central nervous system abnormality, with myelomeningoceles occurring in up to 2 per 1000 live births. Aim of the work: this study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of spinal ultrasonography in pediatrics patients with spinal dysraphism. This study was carried out on 30 infants with clinically diagnosed or suspected spinal dysraphism who were referred by the Neurosurgery Department or outpatient clinic to the Radiology Department at Alexandria University Hospital over the period from May 2004 to April 2005. Ultrasonography findings were correlated with those of MRL The degree of agreement between both modalities was determined and rated as full, partial, or no consensus. Total consensus was achieved in 24 of 30 examinations. Partial consensus was achieved in six examinations with US showing main spinal anomaly but not additional details depicted by MRL There was ho significant difference between US and MRl results in diagnosing of the main spinal anomalies. So we concluded that ultrasound is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of congenital malformations in infancy especially in patients younger than six months of age