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Kim, Jung, and Ihn: Intraspinal Abscess Associated with Congenital Dermal Sinus: Case Report
Pediatric Radiology
Case Report

Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2011; 64(3): 281-284.

Published online: 31 March 2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2011.64.3.281

Intraspinal Abscess Associated with Congenital Dermal Sinus: Case Report

Bom yi Kim, M.D., Won Sang Jung, M.D., Yon Kwon Ihn, M.D.

Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Yon Kwon Ihn, M.D., Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 93-6 Ji-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyenggi-do 442-723, Korea. Tel. 82-31-249-7491, Fax. 82-31-247-5713, Ihn@catholic.ac.kr

Received 27 October 2010       Accepted 27 December 2010

Copyright © 2011 The Korean Society of Radiology

Abstract

Dermal sinus tracts are remnants of incomplete neural tube closure. Dermal sinus tracts in the spine range from asymptomatic pits to tracts with significant disease. Congenital spinal dermal sinus tract can produce significant morbidity if not adequately managed. Spinal subdural abscess caused by the spread of an infection within the dermal sinus tract is rare in children. We now described a 3-year-old male who presented with extensive spinal subdural abscess resulting from dermal sinus tract that was low-lying in the sacral area.

Keywords: Dermal Sinus, Spina Bifida Occulta, Abscess

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1

Plain lumbosacral radiograph showed spinal dysraphism (white arrows) from L5 to S2.

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Fig. 2

Dermal sinus tract complicated with spinal subdural abscess in a 3-year-old boy.

A. Sagittal T2WI shows high signal intense lesion in the subdural space occupying lesion from T7 to L3.
B. Gadolinium enhanced sagittal T1WI shows rim-like enhancement in the subdural lesion, and transverse line with low signal intensity (white arrow), suggesting dermal sinus.
C. Gadolinium enhanced axial T1WI shows the lesion more clearly as being subdural and intramedullary.
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Fig. 3

A. Sagittal T2WI shows a long segment of swelling and abnormal high signal intensity in the medulla oblongata and cervical cord.

B. Post constrast sagittal T1WI shows thick enhancement in the medulla oblongata.
jksr-64-281-g003

References

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