Incidence and Outcomes of Diastematomyelia in Spina Bifida Patients

Objective:  To determine the prevalence of diastematomyelia in spina bifida patients and to assess the efficacy of surgical intervention. Material and Methods:  This prospective research study was conducted at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center in Karachi in the Neurosurgery department. We included 55 patients after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. All of the patients had craniospinal MRI, and the results, as well as any anomalies discovered, were noted for future reference during their therapy. Patients suffering from these diseases were treated surgically, which included sac excision and repair, cord detethering, and ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Throughout the postoperative period, all of these patients' outcomes were documented and assessed. Results:  The majority of patients were under 1 month old (29 patients, 53.70%), whereas 13 patients were between one month and 1 year old. The patients were 2.8 years old on average. There were 23 males (42.60%) and 32 females (58.18%). Dermal sinuses, hypertrichosis, and skin dimples (signs of spina bifida occulta), with prevalence rates of 5.55 percent, 3.70 percent, and 1.85 percent, respectively. Spina bifida occulta was less frequent (17 cases) than spina bifida aperta (37 occurrences). 33 patients (61.11%) have myelomeningocele, followed by meningocele in three (5.5%), lipomyelomeningocele in six (10.9%), diastematomyelia in six (10.9%), dermal sinus in two (3.70%), along with spinal lipoma in one (1.85%) instance. Conclusion:  The overall prevalence of Diastematomyelia in patients with spinal dysraphism is low. However vigilant assessment and management is crucial for optimal surgical benefit. Keywords:  Diastematomyelia, Spina Bifida, Spinal Dysraphism.