Cerebral malformations complicating spina bifida. Radiological studies

The radiological findings of air studies performed on 59 infants and young children with spina bifida have been discussed and the pathological basis of these appearances outlined.It is contended that the most frequent cerebral abnormality is the Chiari type II malformation which has been demonstrated radiologically in nearly half the cases and suspected in many others. Hydrocephalus has been shown in 93% of the cases: the most common site of obstruction was the cerebral aqueduct. A block at the level of the ambient cisterns was found less frequently and in our experience obstruction at the level of the foramen magnum is rare.