Abstract

HERNANDEZ LEON, Lisett et al. Sacra agenesia associated to spinal dysraphism and hydrocephaly. Rev Cubana Pediatr [online]. 2013, vol.85, n.2, pp. 265-272. ISSN 0034-7531.

Introduction: sacra agenesia is a rare congenital malformation as part of the caudal regression syndrome. It is characterized by a group of anomalies in which the caudal cord is absent. This disease is the most common malformation found in children from diabetic mothers but it has also been related to other predisposing factors such as folic acid deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies, use of insulin at pregnancy and even hypoxia. Thirty to forty percent of patients with complete sacra agenesia can also have myelomeningocele, and the displacement of nerve roots worsens the neurological disorders. In these cases, hydrocephaly, many times associated to Chiari malformation type II, is also present at birth. Clinical case: a neonate with sacra agenesia associated to spinal dysraphism and hydrocephaly. Surgical intervention was performed early, a peritoneal ventricular derivation was placed and the neural tube defect was repaired. The post-surgery evolution was favorable, but the preoperative neurological deficits persisted. Conclusions: there were no predisposing factors in this patient and the analysis of the cariotype was normal. The bone anomalies of the lower members were the most remarkable aspects as well as the hydrocephaly associated to Chiari malformation type II and myelomeningocele. The treatment of these cases requires multidisciplinary approach and surgical repair of the myelomeningocele at early phase to achieve favorable evolution. The most severe forms can cause early neonatal death; however, those surviving children generally present normal intelligence coefficient.

Keywords : caudal regression syndrome; sacra agenesia; caudal dysplasia; open neural tube defect; spinal dysraphia; Chiari malformation type II.

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