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Diastematomyelia type I

Case contributed by Bahman Rasuli
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Leg weakness and foot pain.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female
mri

The MRI sequences demonstrate:

  • marked lumbar scoliosis of left-sided convexity

  • conus medullaris terminates in a low position at S2 (Tethered cord syndrome)

  • diastematomyelia type I at L2-L3 (hemicords separated by a bony spur)

  • vertebral abnormalities: butterfly vertebrae of L3 and block vertebrae at L2-L3 and L3-L4 levels

  • dural ectasia at the lumbar region

  • spondylotic canal stenosis at D11-D12 level due to disc bulging and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy

Case Discussion

MRI features of diastematomyelia, also known as a split cord malformation type I which is the classic type and characterised by:

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