Split Cord Malformation Combined with Tethered Cord Syndrome in an Adult

Split cord malformations (SCMs) usually present in childhood, and are rarely reported in adults. And also, a cervicothoracic SCM associated with tethered cord syndrome has very rarely been reported in the literature. We report a case of SCM associated with tethered cord and spina bifida in an adult. This report describes the case of a 34-year-old woman who presented for evaluation of neck pain, back pain, and intermittent paraparesis of several months duration. The MRI and CT showed a SCM at the cervicothoracic level and a fibrous septum at the thoracic level. She underwent surgery for the SCM and tethered cord syndrome, and was followed for 7 years. Patient presented complete recovery in the follow-up. The authors discuss this unusual lesion and describe the anatomical relationship of the level of cord duplication and fibrous septum.

CT Diagnosis of Split Cord Malformation in Children / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To study the appearances of split cord malformation(SCM)and evaluate the diagnostic value of CT for SCM.Methods Clinical and CT data of 48 cases with SCM were analyzed retrospectively ,21 were males and 27 were females,ranged from 1 day to 8 years with a mean of 11.6 months. All cases evaluated by plain CT with coronal and sagittal reconstructions.Results Type I accounted 75%, consisted of two hemicords, each contained in its dural tube and separated by a rigid median septum .TypeⅡaccounted 25%, consisted two hemicords contained in a single dural sac separated by a non-rigid, fibrous median septum. Associated abnormalities: tethered cord syndrome(n=38), syringomyelia(n=9), intradural lipomas(n=10), meningocele(n=18).Conclusion CT can clearly demostrate the position, the septum and the shape of the SCM, as well as associated abnormalities.