A 3-day-old term newborn has a midline lower back mass covered by skin with a tuft of hair overlying it. Neurological examination of the lower limbs is normal. MRI shows a defect in the posterior vertebral arch at L5 without neural tissue herniation. This is most consistent with:
- A Meningomyelocele
- B Lipomeningomyelocele
- C Spina bifida occulta ✓
- D Meningocele
Correct answer: C. Spina bifida occulta
Explanation
Spina bifida occulta presents with a posterior vertebral arch defect with intact overlying skin, often with a skin marker such as a tuft of hair, dimple, or hemangioma. The spinal cord and meninges do not herniate. It is usually asymptomatic with normal neurological examination. Meningomyelocele has exposed neural tissue with neurological deficit. Meningocele has a sac without neural tissue but is not covered by normal skin.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.