Radiology Case Reports (Oct 2020)

Incidentally discovered type 1 split cord malformation in an adult patient

  • Richard Assaker, MD,
  • Georges El Hasbani, MD,
  • Jose Vargas, MD,
  • Kalind Parashar, MD,
  • Ginu A. Thomas, MD,
  • Paul Rodrigue, MD,
  • Neda Yagan, MD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 10
pp. 1756 – 1758

Abstract

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Split spinal cord syndrome (SCM), an entity of spinal dysraphisms, occurs rarely in adults and is associated with tethered cord syndrome, which commonly presents with back pain. Besides clinical findings, neuroimaging by Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography is needed for diagnosis. We report a case of a previously healthy 51-year-old man who presented for right upper abdominal quadrant pain. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis incidentally discovered the diagnosis of type 1 SCM. This case highlights that SCM can remain asymptomatic throughout life to be diagnosed at one point by neuroimaging. Whenever no clinical complications exist, no surgical intervention might be indicated.

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