Spinal Dysraphsim – A Descriptive Retrospective Study

Spinal dysraphism (SD) is a diverse group of congenital spinal anomalies resulting from incomplete closure of the neural tube during embryonic development. This retrospective study aimed to assess the role of MRI in identifying various forms of SD, characterizing the lesions, and detecting associated anomalies in a rural popula-tion. A total of 25 patients with SD were included. The most common SDs were spina bifida with tethered cord, followed by meningocele, vertebral segmentation anomalies, diastematomyelia, myelomeningocele, and dorsal dermal sinus. Associated anomalies, including syrinx, dural ectasia, scoliosis, and Chiari I malformation, were frequently observed. MRI proved to be a valuable tool in the comprehensive evaluation of SD. It allowed for accurate diagnosis, characterization of lesions, identification of associated anomalies, and planning of appro-priate management strategies. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for optimizing outcomes in patients with SD.