Evaluation of Dorsal Midline Discolorations with Physical Examination and Ultrasound

Liat Ben-Sira*, Penina Ponger, Shlomi Constantini

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To assess the association between dorsal midline skin discolorations, tethering of the spinal cord, and the role of ultrasound screening of these stigmata, focusing specifically on vascular lesions. Study design We conducted a prospective observational study of infants <6 months of age with suspicious dorsal midline skin stigmata. All were evaluated by physical examination and ultrasound scan. A subset also had a magnetic resonance imaging examination. We examined the association between small, red-shaded discolorations and their respective imaging findings. Results Among 100 cases with discolorations of vascular types, either isolated or combined with low-risk simple dimples or deviated gluteal folds, none had clinically significant pathologic findings requiring surgical intervention. Conclusions Midline lumbar discolorations are more benign than previously thought. Despite the very low association of this group of stigmata with surgical implications, we still recommend the routine use of ultrasound scanning.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)246-250
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Pediatrics
Volume190
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2017

Keywords

  • MRI
  • Tethered cord syndrome
  • US
  • dermal sinus
  • deviated gluteal fold
  • discolorations
  • lumbar
  • midline skin stigmata
  • simple dimple
  • vascular lesions

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