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Meningocele is a type of spinal neural tube defect (NTD) where the meninges herniate through a vertebral defect, forming a CSF-filled sac, but without herniation of the spinal cord or neural tissue.
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It is considered less severe than myelomeningocele and often has a better prognosis.
Embryology
- Results from failure of closure of the posterior neuropore during primary neurulation (typically by day 28 of gestation).
- Vertebral arches fail to fuse, allowing the meninges to protrude through a midline defect.
Types:
| Type |
Description |
| Spinal meningocele |
Herniation of dura and arachnoid without spinal cord |
| Cranial meningocele |
Herniation of meninges through skull defect (a form of encephalocele) |
This discussion focuses on spinal meningocele, which is most often lumbosacral.
Clinical Presentation
- Visible midline sac-like mass over the spine at birth
- Sac is usually covered by skin
- No neurological deficits typically (unlike myelomeningocele)
- May be associated with tethered cord or diastematomyelia
Associated conditions
- Hydrocephalus is rare unless associated with other anomalies
- May be part of spinal dysraphism spectrum
- Tethered cord, diastematomyelia, and syringomyelia may coexist