Congenital Anomalies
HYDROCEPHALIA:
Hydrocephalus is defined as an increase in the amount of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid). It usually develops as a result of decreased absorption, rarely as a result of excessive secretion. Inhibition of CSF flow or decreased absorption leads to enlargement of the ventricles.
In infants and young children, the head circumference is larger than normal values, the anterior fontanelle is palpated as tense and wide, and the upper chestretraction of the eyelid, upward gaze paralysis, thinning of the scalp and prominence of the scalp veins, disturbance of consciousness, gushing vomiting are among the main findings of hydrocephalus. In slowly progressing cases, mental retardation and developmental delay may be the first findings.
Symptoms and findings in young and adults vary due to the fixed dimensions of the cranium. Sleepiness, gait disturbance and urinary incontinence are classical findings in slowly progressive hydrocephalus. CSF pressure may be normal in these patients (normal pressure hydrocephalus). For more information please visit https://cdn.npistanbul.com/hidrosefali-nedir.
MENINGOMYELOCELE
The spinal cord and roots emerge from the defect behind the spinal canal into a cystic cavity. This cavity may be covered by meninges and/or skin. In most patients, this covering is incomplete or ruptured, and the spinal cord and roots are in contact with the external environment (myelocytosis). Clinically, there is motor and sensory deficit in the lower extremities, often the bladder is atonic and dilated, anal reflex and tone are absent (paraplegia, paraparesis). Hydrocephalus, scoliosis and orthopedic foot deformities are found in most cases.
DIASTOMATOMYELIA
Congenital splitting of the spinal cord, usually in the lower thoracic and lumbar segments. Usually, a bony or cartilaginous protrusion extends anteroposteriorly between the divided spinal cord. In most cases, the conus medullaris is lower than its normal anatomical position "tethered cord syndrome". Since the vertebral column develops faster than the spinal cord, stretching of the spinal cord can cause back pain and neurologic symptoms.
CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS
Cranial bone sutures allow the cranium to expand as the brain develops during normal development of the child. Premature closure of one or more cranial sutures eliminates the possibility of suture expansion. Normally developing sutures overdevelop to compensate for the other location. As a result, cranial deformities occur and brain development is prevented in advanced cases. ICAS and optic nerve compression occur. Sagittal synostosis is the most common type (50%).