A split cord malformation with paresis of the unilateral lower limb: Case report

BACKGROUND We report a rare case of split cord malformation. CASE DESCRIPTION A female neonate presented with split cord malformation (SCM) manifesting as right lower limb paresis. Myelomeningocele and meningocele were found in the lumbosacral region at birth. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated division of the spinal cord into two hemi-cords below the T5 level. The right hemicord formed a hemimyelomeningocele and the left hemicord terminated in the low-lying conus. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) showed extensive vertebral body abnormalities. The hemimyelomeningocele was repaired 1 day after birth, and septectomy and the repair of the meningocele were performed when the patient was I year old. The patient has been followed up as an outpatient, and has residual right lower limb paresis. CONCLUSION SCM can be associated with multiple spinal abnormalities. MRI and 3D-CT are useful for identifying such abnormalities and planning the surgical treatment. (C) 2002 by Elsevier Science Inc.