Complex split cord malformation with split conus

Abstract

Split cord malformations are disorders of gastrulation. Disorders of secondary neurulation occur later and are traditionally considered separate from the former. Complex split cord malformations involving both the cord and the conus and encompassing the epochs of gastrulation, primary neurulation, junctional neurulation, and secondary neurulation have not been described in literature. We present a four-year-old boy with such a malformation and postulate the embryological mechanism involved. The clinical vignette of this unique case has been described. We report a good clinical outcome in this patient with surgical management.

Keywords:

• Embryology
• endomesenchymal tract
• neurulation
• spinal dysraphism
• split conus
• split cord

Ethical approval

We have adhered to the Institutional and departmental ethical guidelines while working on this article and during its final submission.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).