A lipomyelocele is a type of lipoma that occurs with Spina Bifida. A lipoma is a fatty fibrous tissue mass in the spinal column that extends on the backside through a Spina Bifida defect (gap or opening in the malformed spine). It connects to the spinal cord against the skin. The defect is covered by skin, making it “hidden” (occult). This is termed, closed Spina Bifida (incomplete closure of the neural tube).
Lipomas are the most common type of occult (hidden) SB, although other types may be under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Lipomas often occur in the lowest part of the spine. The location of the lipomyelocele is important because any symptoms that occur, will present at that level of the body and below.
When does it occur?
The defect occurs during the embryonic stage of development, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
What causes it?
A lipomyelocele is caused by premature separation (dysjunction) of the superficial ectoderm (which forms skin) from the neural ectoderm (nerve cells) which forms the spinal cord. The “not-yet closed” neural tube further develops into fat at that location. The lipoma is attached to subcutaneous fat and the back of the spinal cord; thereby “tethering” the spinal cord. The “tethered cord” can be symptomatic over time.
What symptoms occur?
As the baby develops, urinary and bowel incontinence can occur, poor or no sensation in lower part of the body may be identified, as well as limb weakness, difficulty with walking, and pain.
How do you treat it?
Treatment varies, and is based on multi-disciplinary clinical assessment, tests (such as urodynamics) and imaging (X-ray, MRI). Sometimes, the tethered spinal cord needs to be surgically untethered or released to prevent or minimize symptoms. De-tethering surgery may need to be repeated, but after each surgery, more scar tissue develops, which can cause re- tethering and other problems. Every child is unique, so individual assessment will determine the best plan for treatment, and that can change. Generally though, ongoing specialist care will be necessary in the following areas: Neurosurgery Orthopedics Urology Gastroenterology
