Spinal dermoid sinus in a Dachshund with vertebral and thoracic limb malformations

Abstract

BackgroundDermoid sinus is an uncommon epithelial-lined fistula that may be associated with vertebral malformations. In humans, Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare condition characterized by congenital cervical vertebral fusion and may be associated with other developmental defects, including dermoid sinus. The present case report describes an adult Dachshund with cervical and cranial thoracic vertebral malformations as well as thoracic limb malformations resembling KFS with a concurrent type IV dermoid sinus.Case presentationA 1.5 year-old Dachshund with congenital thoracic limbs deformities and cervical-thoracic vertebral malformations presented with cervical hyperesthesia, rigidity of the cervical musculature and tetraparesis. Neurologic, radiographic, and computed tomography (CT) (2D, 3D, CT fistulography) examinations revealed skeletal anomalies, a dermoid sinus in the cranial thoracic region and epidural gas within the vertebral canal. Surgical resection and histopathological evaluation of the sinus tract were performed and confirmed a type IV dermoid sinus. The clinical signs progressively recovered postoperatively, and no recurrent signs were observed after 6 months of follow-up.ConclusionsCervical vertebral malformations associated with limbs anomalies have not been reported in dogs and may represent a condition similar to KFS in humans. KFS can occur concurrently with other congenital conditions including dermoid sinus and should be included among the complex congenital anomalies described in dogs.

Computed tomography findings and surgical outcomes of dermoid sinuses: a case series

“…There are six types of dermoid sinuses categorised by the relationship between the sinus and supraspinous ligament/nuchal ligament, and the presence of a skin orifice (Figure 1). 7 Three new subtypes based on differences between the anatomical location and the embryologic origin have also been classified. Subtype a denotes a dermoid sinus on the dorsal midline in relation to the vertebral column, subtype b denotes a dermoid sinus on the head (excluding the nose) and subtype c denotes nasal dermoid sinuses.…”

“…[12][13][14] Although CT has been performed in various cases reports, descriptions of the imaging findings were not included nor how the CT findings compared with the surgical findings. 7,12 The objective of this case series was to describe the CT findings and corresponding surgical findings of nine dogs with a confirmed dermoid sinus. Of interest was how definitively CT could describe the depth of the sinus compared with that noted at surgery.…”

“…There are six types of dermoid sinuses categorised by the relationship between the sinus and supraspinous ligament/nuchal ligament, and the presence of a skin orifice (Figure ) . Three new subtypes based on differences between the anatomical location and the embryologic origin have also been classified.…”

“…Surgical planning is based on diagnostic imaging, but there are few reports on the precision of imaging or how it relates to the surgical findings The reporting of advanced imaging findings is limited to single case reports, including three reports using MRI . Although CT has been performed in various cases reports, descriptions of the imaging findings were not included nor how the CT findings compared with the surgical findings …”

Thoracic meningomyelocele associated with spina bifida in a Malinois dog

“…Spina bifida can be associated with spinal cord malformation such as meningocele, which is a protrusion of the meninges through the vertebral defect or meningomyelocele including cord tissue in addition to meninges through this defect. Although this congenital abnormality may be seen in any breed,3–5 some are over‐represented like the English bulldogs6–9 and the German shepherd dogs 10 11. The main location for NTD is the lumbosacral region 2 5 12…”