The spectrum of imaging in Currarino triad

The aim of this was to evaluate the spectrum of findings and the efficacy o f different imaging modalities in order to formulate recommendations for di agnostic imaging of Currarino triad (ASP syndrome), including screening of relatives. The imaging films of five female patients (age range 6 weeks to 12 months) were analysed retrospectively. The studied material consisted of US and MRI of the lower spine (5 patients each), lumbosacral plain radiogr aphy (4 patients), contrast enema (4 patients), urinary US (2 patients), ge nitography (1 patient) and myelo-CT (1 patient). Depiction of pathological findings with different imaging modalities was reviewed and validated with special respect to their demonstrability by US. Ultrasonography detected th e sacral bony defect as well as the presacral pathology (meningocele and/or tumour) and thereby gave the basic diagnosis in all of the cases. It also depicted tethered cord and urinary tract abnormalities correctly. Magnetic resonance imaging gave a more distinct visualization of pre- and intraspina l pathology with additional demonstration of intraspinal lipoma in two case s. Regarding anorectal and genital malformations, radiographic contrast-age nt studies had been used in all patients. Two blind-ending retrorectal fist ulas, depicted by enema, were missed by MRI. Patients with congenital or ea rly infancy obstipation, malformations and complex urinary tract malformati ons should have spinal and pelvic sonography first. A plain film of the sac rum is recommended in equivocal cases. The need for MRI and contrast, agent studies depends on the individual pathology, whereas presently MRI has mad e further radiographic imaging increasingly dispensable. A screening progra m with lumbosacral US or plain radiography for families with Currarino tria d should be obligatory.