Korean J Pediatr.  2018 Jun;61(6):194-199. 10.3345/kjp.2018.61.6.194.

Outcome of ultrasonographic imaging in infants with sacral dimple

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. childlove@cnu.ac.kr
  • 2Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
  • 3Department of Radiology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea. sunkyou@cnuh.co.kr
  • 4Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE
Sacral dimples are a common cutaneous anomaly in infants. Spine ultrasonography (USG) is an effective and safe screening tool for patients with a sacral dimple. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical manifestations in patients with an isolated sacral dimple and to review the management of spinal cord abnormalities identified with USG.
METHODS
We reviewed clinical records and collected data on admissions for a sacral dimple from March 2014 through February 2017 that were evaluated with spine USG by a pediatric radiologist. During the same period, patients who were admitted for other complaints, but were found to have a sacral dimple were also included.
RESULTS
This study included 230 infants under 6-months-old (130 males and 100 females; mean age 52.8±42.6 days). Thirty-one infants with a sacral dimple had an echogenic filum terminale, and 57 children had a filar cyst. Twenty-seven patients had a low-lying spinal cord, and only one patient was suspected of having a tethered cord. Follow-up spine USG was performed in 28 patients, which showed normalization or insignificant change.
CONCLUSION
In this study, all but one infant with a sacral dimple had benign imaging findings. USG can be recommended in infants with a sacral dimple for its convenience and safety.

Keyword

Infant; Lumbosacral region; Skin abnormalities; Ultrasonography; Diagnostic imaging

MeSH Terms

Cauda Equina
Child
Diagnostic Imaging
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Infant*
Lumbosacral Region
Male
Mass Screening
Skin Abnormalities
Spinal Cord
Spine
Ultrasonography
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