helpsimple searchclear selectionselect all
Dictionary assisted search
All words
Any word/input
Exact phrase
in these
lexical topics:
  • Physics, Techniques and Procedures
  • Normal Anatomy
  • Musculoskeletal Imaging
  • Breast Imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Imaging
  • Urogenital Imaging
  • Chest Imaging
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Neuroradiology
  • Head and Neck Imaging
  • Paediatric Imaging
 
Paediatric Imaging

Caudal regression syndrome

includes a broad spectrum of findings resulting from disturbance of normal development of the caudal mesoderm. Abnormalities include sirenomyelia (the most severe end of the spectrum with fusion of the lower extremities), sacral agenesis, anorectal stenosis, anal atresia, renal aplasia, renal dysplasia, neurogenic bladder and malformed external genitalia.

Embryologically the caudal mesoderm (including the cloaca) forms the conus, filum terminale, sacral nerve roots and lower genitourinary structures by a process of canalization and retrogressive differentiation which is usually complete by the 4th week of fetal life. The various manifestations of caudal regression result from disturbance of this normal process during week 3 of fetal development. This may reflect a toxic, infective or ischaemic insult and there is a significant association with maternal diabetes.

Radiographs show a variable degree of absence of the lower end of the bony spine (Fig.1); this may involve partial or complete absence of the sacrum or even extend as high as the thoracolumbar spine. On ultrasound or MR imaging the terminus of the spinal cord (Fig.2) may be high and has a characteristic blunted wedge shape instead of the normal tapering appearance of the conus. See sacral agenesis

HC

To view high resolution images,
please register first.

Click  here to register.

Already registered? Enter your e-mail in the window below.
Re-register

Fig.2

MRI, coronal view. The spinal cord is normal and ends at approximately L1.
Caudal regression syndrome, Fig.1
Caudal regression syndrome, Fig.2