Myelomeningococele

Frank H Miller, MD
Faye C Laing, MD

June 8, 1994

Presentation

Imaging Findings

Ultrasound examination shows that frontal bones are concave (arrows) and the cisterna magna (arrow) is obliterated. The cranium reveals hydrocephalus (arrows). There is splaying of the pedicles on the transverse image of the lumbosacral spine (arrows) with a small visible lumbar meningocele on the sagittal image (arrow).

Diagnosis

Discussion

A myelomeningocele typically occurs at the level of the lumbosacral spine and demonstrates splaying of the posterior elements with increased interpedicular distance. Ventriculomegaly is almost always present as a result of concurrent Arnold-Chiari (type II) malformation.

Changes in the fetal skull may alert a sonographer to the presence of an unsuspected myelomeningocele. Cranial abnormalities include ventriculomegaly, lemon sign (due to flattened frontal bones), banana sign (due to effacement of the cisterna magna), and head (as well as body) measurements that are small for gestational age.

References

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