Abstract
Introduction
There have been previous reports of intra-scapular limbs associated with a closed spina bifida and this has led to a causative theory. It is thought that these dysraphic appendages could not occur with defects of primary neurulation.
Case
The authors present a rare case of this abnormality associated with a large open myelomeningocele in a 6-day-old infant presenting to a paediatric neurosurgical hospital in Uganda. The appendage was removed and the spina bifida closed. There was significant stigma associated with such abnormality in this region.
Discussion
The first reported co-existence of these two lesions challenges previously held beliefs regarding the embryological origin of intra-scapular dysraphic appendage.
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References
Krishna A, Lal P (1999) Accessory limbs associated with spina bifida—a second look. Pediatr Surg Int 15:248–250
Gardner WJ (1980) Hypothesis: overdistention of the neural tube may cause anomalies of non-neural organs. Teratology 22:229–238. doi:10.1002/tera.1420220212
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Derek Johnson and the staff in Cure International Hospital, Mbale, Uganda for their kindness during my experience there.
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Parks, C., Mugamba, J. Accessory limb with myelomeningocele: a rare case challenging previously held beliefs. Childs Nerv Syst 30, 2127–2128 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-014-2452-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-014-2452-1