Abstract
Background and objectives: Spina bifida aperta is a complex congenital disorder associated with various central nervous system anomalies. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and associations of these anomalies in patients with Spina bifida aperta.
Methods: A cross-sectional (cases series) study was conducted at the Shar Teaching Hospital in Sulaymaniyah Governorate from 2019 to 2023. A total of 26 newborns diagnosed with Spina bifida aperta were recruited through convenience sampling. Detailed clinical data were collected, and all participants underwent whole-brain and spinal MRI. Central nervous system anomalies, including agenesis of the corpus callosum, Chiari malformation, syrinx, hydrocephalus, and tethered cord syndrome, were identified and analyzed.
Results: The study identified significant occurrences of Chiari malformation 14 (53.8%), hydrocephalus 20 (76.9%), and TCS 21 (80.8%) among the participants. Agenesis of corpus callosum and syrinx were present in 5 (19.2%) and 4 (15.4%) of the participants, respectively. No significant correlations were found between these central nervous system anomalies and factors such as sex, or the site of the defect (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The study underscores the high prevalence of central nervous system anomalies in patients with spina bifida aperta, highlighting the need for comprehensive diagnostic and management strategies.