Cervical myelocystoceles and meningoceles: Long-term follow-up

Little is known about the long-term prognosis of patients with cervical mye locystoceles and meningoceles, In this study, we report the long-term follo w-up (average 10 years and 8 months) of 8 patients with cervical myelocysto celes and meningoceles. Neurologic, orthopedic, urologic and psychosocial s tatus was assessed on long-term follow-up. The results indicate that in pat ients with cervical myelocystoceles, neurologic deficits become noticeable in the first year of life as the infant matures. Motor deficit was common i n these patients, whereas sensory and urologic deficits did not occur. We b elieve that this is related to underlying myelodysplasia. in addition, pati ents with cervical myelocystoceles tend to have significant orthopedic prob lems. in contrast, patients with cervical meningoceles do not have neurolog ic deficits, but do develop mild orthopedic problems. Copyright(C)2000 S. K arger AG,Basel.