ABSTRACT
The most common spinal abnormality encountered prenatally is spina bifida. Although other spinal lesions are possible, they are relatively infrequent. Typically, this is diagnosed on detection of the characteristic lemon-shaped head and “banana” cerebellum. The level of the lesion, the number of segments involved, severity of the kyphoscoliosis, ventriculomegaly, and microcephaly determine the prognosis for the neonate. Hemivertebrae are rarely diagnosed prenatally probably because of the low prevalence and the relatively difficult ultrasound diagnosis. Caudal regression can vary in severity from partial sacral agenesis to complete absence of the lumbosacral spine. Kyphosis and scoliosis may be diagnosed prenatally as isolated abnormalities. Occasionally they may be associated with spina bifida, body stalk abnormality, and skeletal dysplasia. Caudal regression occurs more commonly in diabetic pregnancy.
