Lipomyelocele with tethered cord

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Neurogenic bladder.

Patient Data

Age: 8 years
Gender: Male

Posterior sacral midline lipomatous mass, containing neural tissue (placode-lipoma) well-demonstrated on axial sequences, extending into the spinal canal through a closed spinal dysraphism with low lying cord at L5-S1. The filum terminale is attached to the intraspinal fatty component which is attenuated on fat sat sequences.

Distended bladder with thickened wall, pseudo-diverticula hydroureters (neurogenic bladder).

No associated vertebral congenital abnormalities.

Case Discussion

MRI features of a lipomyelocele with tethered cord.

Lipomyelocele also known as lipomyeloschisis ​is considered as one of the most common closed spinal dysraphism.

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