Journal article
Cervical and thoracic dermal sinus tracts: A case series and review of the literature
Pediatric neurosurgery, Vol.37(3), pp.137-147
2002
DOI: 10.1159/000064399
PMID: 12187058
Abstract
Cervical and thoracic dermal sinus tracts (DSTs) account for 1 and 10%, respectively, of all DSTs. Few case reports describe this diagnosis. To characterize this entity, a 30-year retrospective audit was utilized to identify cases. Nine cases were identified, five of which were cervical and four thoracic. Four cases less than 1 year old presented with skin findings and no neurologic deficit. All five cases greater than 1 year old presented with neurologic findings. Initial examination revealed changes in motor function (n = 5), sensation (n = 4), reflexes (n = 5), gait (n = 4) and altered bowel/bladder function (n = 2). Eight patients had cutaneous findings and 7 had bifid spinous processes overlying tract entry into the dura. Operative findings included 6 buckled tethered cords, opacified arachnoid or frank arachnoiditis in 4 patients, 2 tract CSF leaks, 2 split cord malformations and 2 intradural tumors. Mean follow-up was 36 months. All infants remained neurologically intact. Four of the 5 patients greater than 1 year old demonstrated improvement; 1 continued with a stable deficit. This series of cervical and thoracic DSTs highlights the need for close attention to skin lesions in infants and consideration of retethering or tumor in patients with previous resections who deteriorate. Definitive operation including intradural exploration should be performed with the initial operation in an attempt to obviate future complications.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Cervical and thoracic dermal sinus tracts: A case series and review of the literature
- Creators
- Laurie L ACKERMAN - Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, United StatesArnold H MENEZES - Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, United StatesKenneth A FOLLETT - Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Pediatric neurosurgery, Vol.37(3), pp.137-147
- Publisher
- Karger; Basel
- DOI
- 10.1159/000064399
- PMID
- 12187058
- ISSN
- 1016-2291
- eISSN
- 1423-0305
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2002
- Academic Unit
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
- Record Identifier
- 9984040562702771
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