Detailed analysis of cystic lesions in patients after open fetal repair and postnatal myelomeningocele closure
2025

Cystic Lesions in Patients After Myelomeningocele Repair

Sample size: 181 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Salwi Sanjana R., Land Sierra D., Gallagher Taryn, Reynolds Tom A., Zarnow Deborah M., Viaene Angela, Moldenhauer Julie S., Adzick N. Scott, Flanders Tracy M., Heuer Gregory G.

Primary Institution: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Hypothesis

What is the incidence and management of cystic spinal lesions following myelomeningocele closure?

Conclusion

Cystic lesions are common in myelomeningocele patients, often do not require surgery, and fetal repair is associated with a higher incidence of these lesions.

Supporting Evidence

  • 93 out of 181 patients developed radiographic evidence of cystic lesions.
  • 28 patients required surgical intervention for cysts.
  • 67% of patients who had fetal repair developed cysts compared to 32.1% after postnatal closure.

Takeaway

Kids who have surgery for a spine problem sometimes get little bumps called cysts. Most of the time, these bumps don't need to be taken out, but some kids might need surgery.

Methodology

A single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent myelomeningocele closure from 2013 to 2018 with follow-up to 5 years old.

Potential Biases

Selection bias and limitations of information from the electronic medical record.

Limitations

The study is based on a single-center cohort, which may limit generalizability.

Participant Demographics

Patients who underwent myelomeningocele/myeloschisis closure between 2013 and 2018.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s00381-024-06735-8

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