J Korean Soc Radiol.  2016 Jul;75(1):73-76. 10.3348/jksr.2016.75.1.73.

MRI Findings of Type II Sacral Agenesis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Radiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju, Korea. kim0328@yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract

Sacral agenesis (or caudal regression syndrome) is a rare congenital anomaly involving various levels of coccygeal, sacral, and even lumbar or lower thoracic vertebral dysgenesis, as well as spinal cord abnormalities. A few cases have been previously reported in Korea, especially based upon MRI findings. We describe a case of a 4-year-old girl with partially bilateral agenesis of the sacrum (type II), and club-shaped (chisel-shaped) spinal cord disruption. We also review MRI findings of sacral agenesis, focused on classification and radiological findings.


MeSH Terms

Child, Preschool
Classification
Female
Humans
Korea
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Sacrum
Spinal Cord

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Type II sacral agenesis. Anterior view from a plain radiograph of the pelvis reveals bilateral symmetric absence of S3 and other lower segments of the sacrum, as well as the entire coccyx.

  • Fig. 2 Sagittal T2-weighted image with fat saturation (A), T1-weighted image (B), and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image (C) of L-spine MRI show hypoplastic S2 vertebra with agenesis of lower sacrum and coccyx. The spinal cord terminates above L1 with club-shaped (chisel-shaped), blunted and angulated caudal end. Separation of the anterior and posterior spinal roots of the cauda equina is also noted. Distended urinary bladder with coarse trabeculation pattern is noted due to neurogenic bladder. Coronal T2-weighted image (D) of L-spine MRI shows both iliac bones articulated with S1. MRI = magnetic resonance imaging


Reference

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