Spinal cord anomalies in children with anorectal malformations: a retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

First, to assess the number of spinal cord anomalies (SCA), specifically tethered spinal cord (TSC) in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM), identified with spinal cord imaging (i.e. spinal cord US and/or MRI). Second, to report outcomes after TSC treatment.

METHODS:

A retrospective mono-center study was performed. All ARM patients born between January 2000 and December 2021 were included. Screening for SCA consisted of spinal cord US and/or MRI. Radiology reports were scored on presence of SCA. Data were presented with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS:

In total, 254 patients were eligible for inclusion, of whom 234 (92.1%) underwent spinal cord imaging. In total, 52 (22.2%) patients had a SCA, diagnosed with US (n = 20, 38.5%), MRI (n = 10, 19.2%), or both US and MRI (n = 22, 42.3%), of whom 12 (23.5%) with simple, 27 (52.7%) intermediate, and 12 (23.5%) complex ARM types. TSC was identified in 19 patients (8.1%), of whom 4 (21.1%) underwent uncomplicated neurosurgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS:

SCA were present in 22% of ARM patients both in simple, as well as more complex ARM types. TSC was present in 19 patients with SCA, of whom 4 underwent uncomplicated neurosurgical intervention. Therefore, screening for SCA seems to be important for all ARM patients, regardless of ARM type.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Level III.

• Authors: Cunera M C de Beaufort, Julia C Groenveld, Tara M Mackay, K Mariam Slot, Sjoerd A de Beer, Justin R de Jong, Joost van Schuppen, Carola J McDonald, Dewi P Bakker, Elske van den Berg, Caroline F Kuijper, Ramon R Gorter
• Journal: Pediatric surgery international (Pediatr Surg Int) Vol. 39 Issue 1 Pg. 153 (Mar 19 2023) ISSN: 1437-9813 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 36934393 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2023. The Author(s).

Topics

• Humans
• Child
• Anorectal Malformations (epidemiology)
• Retrospective Studies
• Abnormalities, Multiple
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Spinal Cord (diagnostic imaging, abnormalities)