Congenital kyphosis and lumbosacral meningomyelocele
prenatal findings of a rare association
Keywords:
Congenital kyphosis, Meningomyelocele, Prenatal diagnosis, Ultrasound, Magnetic resonance imagingAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Congenital kyphosis is a condition rarely described, especially in fetuses in the prenatal period, and its association with meningomyelocele is even more unusual. This case report describes the prenatal findings of a fetus with congenital kyphosis and lumbosacral meningomyelocele, highlighting the importance of evaluation by fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old woman, in her second pregnancy, was referred to the fetal medicine service due to findings suggestive of fetal spina bifida. Fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging exams revealed the presence of significant congenital kyphosis, segmental spinal dysgenesis, lumbosacral meningomyelocele, hydrocephalus, as well as agenesis of the corpus callosum and septum pellucidum. Based on the findings observed, it was planned to perform the delivery and surgery, which occurred immediately after birth. TREATMENT: the treatment involved planning for delivery and immediate surgery to correct the meningomyelocele identified in the prenatal exams, aiming to improve the quality of life and prevent complications associated with the diagnosed conditions. The patient also underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt due to hydrocephalus. DISCUSSION: the importance of joint evaluation through fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for the accurate diagnosis of complex conditions, such as congenital kyphosis associated with meningomyelocele, was emphasized. Additionally, the clinical and surgical implications of these malformations were discussed, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to provide the best treatment for the patient. CONCLUSION: the case report highlights the importance of detailed prenatal evaluation in cases of complex malformations such as congenital kyphosis associated with meningomyelocele. The use of fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging allowed for an accurate diagnosis, as well as appropriate planning for delivery and surgical treatment, demonstrating the relevance of these complementary exams in clinical practice.