Background

Klippel-Feil syndrome is defined as congenital fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae and is believed to result from faulty segmentation along the embryo's developing axis during weeks 3–8 of gestation. The classic clinical triad of short neck, low hair line, and restricted neck motion is present in less than 50% of patients with this syndrome. Three types of Klippel-Feil syndrome have been described.

Type 1: Cervical spine fusion in which elements of many vertebrae are incorporated into a single block.

Type 2: Cervical spine fusion in which there is failure of complete segmentation at only one or two cervical levels and may include an occipito-atlantal fusion.

Type 3: Type 1 or type 2 fusion with co-existing segmentation errors in the lower dorsal or lumbar spine. [1]

Case presentation

A 51-year male developed an incomplete tetraplegia (ASIA scale D) in 1997 when he slipped and fell backwards on his head. X-rays of the cervical spine showed fusion at two levels: the C2 and C3 vertebrae, and C4 and C5 vertebrae. MRI of the cervical spine showed congenital fusion of the bodies of C2 and 3, and vertebral bodies of C4 and C5. There was a large disc protrusion at C3/4 with cord compression. Microdiscectomy of the intervertebral disc between the third and fourth cervical vertebra and a Cloward fusion was done elsewhere. This patient had a similar cervical spinal cord injury about 15 years ago. Following that fall, he developed transient numbness and paresis of the lower limbs. A recent X-ray of the cervical spine (Figure 1) and MRI of the cervical spinal cord (Figure 2) showed congenital fusion at two levels, thus confirming a diagnosis of Klippel-Feil syndrome – Type 2.

Figure 1
figure 1

Lateral view of cervical spine shows congenital fusion of bodies of C2 with C3, and vertebral bodies of C4 with C5.

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Figure 2
figure 2

MRI of cervical spine shows continuity of the vertebral body of C2 and C3. There is fusion of the vertebral bodies of C4 and C5. Marked disc narrowing and spondylotic changes at C3-4 (level of Cloward procedure).

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A routine intravenous urography (IVU) revealed no kidneys in the renal fossa on both sides, but the presence of crossed, fused renal ectopia in the left ilio-lumbar region. (Figures 3 and 4). Ultrasound examination confirmed the IVU findings. Two separate renal sinus fat echoes could be identified sonographically in the ectopic fused kidney. (Figure 5). MAG 3 renogram showed functioning, renal tissue in the left ilio-lumbar region. (Figure 6). This patient has been managing his bladder by reflex voiding, and has been doing well.

Figure 3
figure 3

20-minute film of intravenous urography shows crossed, fused renal ectopia in the left ilio-lumbar region.

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Figure 4
figure 4

Coned view of kidney shows anteriorly rotated large extra-renal pelvis, which is occupying the centre and a further renal pelvis with normal configuration facing laterally.

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Figure 5
figure 5

Ultrasound examination of kidney shows two distinct renal sinus echo patterns thus confirming the presence of a crossed, fused renal ectopia.

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Figure 6
figure 6

MAG 3 renogram (images obtained in prone position) shows no kidney in the right side. There is functioning renal tissue in the left ilio-lumbar region.

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Discussion

Patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome and cervical stenosis may be at increased risk of sustaining a transient neurologic deficit after minor trauma. This is probably related to the fused segments and the resultant altered mechanical force transfer that makes the adjacent non-fused segments excessively mobile. [2]. When multiple block vertebrae are present, the normal segments may become hypermobile and be subjected to significantly increased stress. Potentially crippling or fatal subluxations may occur at these levels. Strax and Baran [1] reported two patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome who developed tetraplegia after minor trauma. A 13-year old girl was rendered tetraplegic by falling out of bed trying to shut off her alarm clock. A second case involved a 17-year old male with Klippel-Feil syndrome who became tetraplegic when he sustained a so-called whiplash injury in an automobile accident. Elster [3] reported 35-year old male with Klippel-Feil syndrome who developed tetraplegia after only a minor trauma. Our patient developed cervical spinal cord injury twice, which highlights the fact that persons with Klippel-Feil syndrome may be at high risk for developing a transient neuralgic deficit following minor trauma.

As persons with Klippel-Feil syndrome may be at increased risk of sustaining a neurologic deficit in the settting of spinal stenosis after minor trauma, they should be provided appropriate guidance to alter their behavior if they experience an episode of neurologic compromise. Knowledge and realization of potential for spinal cord injury following a previous episode of neurologic compromise will enable persons with Klippel-Feil syndrome to make an informed choice of their occupation and leisure activities. Doctor-patient communication is vital to improve overall patient care. [4]. Patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome should also be informed of the medical implications of associated anomalies in other body systems, especially the kidneys.

There is high incidence of congenital anomalies of the genito-urinary tract in patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome. Twenty-five of 39 patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome (64 per cent) had significant genitourinary-tract anomalies as demonstrated by intravenous urogram and physical examination. The incidence of these anomalies in three types of the syndrome was essentially the same, unilateral renal agenesis being the most common. [5]. Our patient had crossed, fused, renal ectopia.

Spinal cord injury patients are at high risk for developing renal stones. [6]. It is estimated that within 10 years after injury, 7% of persons with spinal cord injury will develop their first kidney stone. [7]. Stones in an ectopic kidney pose a challenge for percutaneous nephrolithotripsy and for extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Health professionals, caring for cervical spinal cord injury patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome and renal anomalies, should place emphasis on prevention of kidney stones. A large fluid intake is recommended for these patients. [8–10]. A high intake of fluids is still the most powerful and certainly the most economical means of prevention of nephrolithiasis. [11]. Although renal stones are an infrequent cause of renal failure, infectious-related urolithiasis, associated with anatomic and functional urinary tract anomalies, and spinal cord injury, present a great risk for renal failure. [12]. Therefore, prevention of urinary infection and avoidance of indwelling urinary catheters are extremely important in the patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome and tetraplegia.

Conclusion

- Persons with Klippel-Feil syndrome and cervical stenosis should be made aware of the potential for sustaining a neurologic deficit after minor trauma.

- Patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome often have congenital anomalies of the urinary tract. Our patient had crossed, fused, ectopia of kidney.

- When patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome sustain tetraplegia they have increased chances of developing urinary tract calculi. Treatment of kidney stones may pose a challenge because of associated renal anomaly.

- Health professionals, caring for cervical spinal cord injury patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome and renal anomalies, should place emphasis on prevention of kidney stones. A large fluid intake is recommended for these patients, as a high intake of fluids is still the most powerful and certainly the most economical means of prevention of nephrolithiasis.

Author contributions

SV generated the idea and wrote the manuscript. PH performed ultrasound scans of kidneys. BMS is the consultant in charge of the patient. All authors contributed to the final version of the manuscript.