Congenital dermal sinus

Congenital dermal sinus
Other namesSpinal congenital dermal sinus
The schematic representation of a dermal tract as a predisposing factor for intramedullary spinal cord abscesses. [1]

Congenital dermal sinus is an uncommon form of cranial or spinal dysraphism.[2][3] It occurs in 1 in 2500 live births.[3] It occurs as a dermal indentation, found along the midline of the neuraxis and often presents alongside infection and neurological deficit.[2] Congenital dermal sinus form due to a focal failure of dysjunction between the cutaneous ectoderm and neuroectoderm during the third to eight week of gestation.[2][3][4][5] Typically observed in the lumbar and lumbosacral region, congenital dermal sinus can occur from the nasion and occiput region down.[2][3][4]

Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial for cases of congenital dermal sinus. It ensures that neurological condition does not degrade and prevents infection. Diagnosis can be confirmed through the use of advanced neuroimaging to observe the tract and associated lesions.

  1. ^ Szmyd, B; Jabbar, R; Lusa, W; Karuga, FF; Pawelczyk, A; Blaszczyk, M; Jankowski, J; Solek, J; Wysiadecki, G; Tubbs, R.S.; Iwanaga, J; Radek, M (2022). "What Is Currently Known about Intramedullary Spinal Cord Abscess among Children? A Concise Review". Journal of Clinical Medicine. 11 (15): 4549. doi:10.3390/jcm11154549. PMC 9369492. PMID 35956164.
  2. ^ a b c d Wang, YM; Chuang, MJ; Cheng, MH (September 2011). "Infected spinal dermal sinus tract with meningitis: a case report" (PDF). Acta Neurologica Taiwanica. 20 (3): 188–91. PMID 22009122.
  3. ^ a b c d Ackerman, LL; Menezes, AH (September 2003). "Spinal congenital dermal sinuses: a 30-year experience". Pediatrics. 112 (3 Pt 1): 641–7. doi:10.1542/peds.112.3.641. PMID 12949296.
  4. ^ a b Elton, S; Oakes, JW (January 2001). "Dermal sinus tracts of the spine". Neurosurgical Focus. 10 (1): e4. doi:10.3171/foc.2001.10.1.5. PMID 16749756.
  5. ^ Jindal, A; Mahapatra, AK (September 2001). "Spinal congenital dermal sinus: an experience of 23 cases over 7 years". Neurology India. 49 (3): 243–6. PMID 11593240.