spinal abnormalities

Question 1

what is spina bifida?

Answer 1

a defect of the spinal cord that results in herniation of its contents (meninges, CSF, & neural tissue)

Question 2

what are other synonyms for spina bifida?

Answer 2

spinal dysraphia
rachischisis
meningocele
myelomeningocele

Question 3

what are the 2 types of spina bifida?

Answer 3

ventral & dorsal

Question 4

ventral defects are rare

true/false

Answer 4

true

Question 5

where are ventral herniations usually seen?

Answer 5

in the lower cervical or upper thoracic vertebrae

Question 6

what are the 2 types of dorsal defects?

Answer 6

spina bifida occulta

spina bifida aperta MOST FREQUENT LESION

Question 7

spina bifida can occur at any level of the spine. what is the most common region for it to occur?

Answer 7

lumbar

Question 8

what are diagnosis codes that can be used when there is suspicion of spina bifida?

Answer 8

• sacral dimple

* hairy patch over lumbar/sacral region

Question 9

scoliosis is the exaggerated curvature of the spinal column

true/false

Answer 9

false; scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine. kyphosis is the exaggerated curvature.

Question 10

what is associated with scoliosis and kyphosis?

Answer 10

spina bifida

ventral abdominal wall defects

Question 11

what is caudal regression?

Answer 11

complete or partial agenesis of the sacrum & may involve the lumbar spine

Question 12

what are some defects associated with caudal regression?

Answer 12

genitourinary abnormalities
gastrointestinal abnormalities
cardiac abnormalities
neural tube abnormalities

Question 13

caudal regression is more common in type 2 diabetic mothers

true/false

Answer 13

false; type 1

Question 14

what is the sonographic appearance of caudal regression?

Answer 14

shortened femurs
absence of sacrum
genitourinary &/or gastrointestinal abnormalities

Question 15

what pathology is referred to as ‘mermaid’ syndrome?

Answer 15

sirenomelia

Question 16

what is sirenomelia?

Answer 16

legs are fused & feet are deformed or absent

Question 17

what is sirenomelia usually associated with?

Answer 17

facial deformities are MOST COMMON

vertebral/sacral defects

Question 18

what germ cell tumor arises from the presacral area?

Answer 18

sacrococcygeal teratoma

Question 19

what is a sacrococcygeal teratoma made up of?

Answer 19

all 3 germ cell layers:
ectoderm
mesoderm
endoderm

Question 20

what are the 4 types of sacrococcygeal taratomas?

Answer 20

presacral (external)
intrapelvic (external)
abdominal (internal)
entirely internal w/ no external components

Question 21

what is the sonographic appearance of sacrococcygeal taratomas?

Answer 21

• solid or mixed
• mass in rump area adjacent to spine
• calcifications may be present
• some are cystic indicating its benign
• large tumors may cause compression or displacement of pelvic structures
• polyhydramnios & hydrops may occur