Diastematomyelia with Vertebral Column Defects

Abstract

Diastematomyelia, a congenital separation into two parts of a length of the spinal cord, is discussed and a case described. The radiological findings are stressed and, in those cases in which associated vertebral column changes are present, it is suggested that radiology offers a good means of diagnosis. The principal X-ray appearances are widening of the spinal canal, a bony spicule near the mid-line, spina bifida, and fusion of the vertebral bodies and/or their processes. Myelography shows a wide opaque column with a unilateral filling defect or splitting of the column at the level of the malformation.