Magnetic resonance imaging in children suffering from spina bifida.

22 children with myelomeningocele (MMC) were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After operative closure a tethered cord was found in 78% of the patients. A primary tethered cord was detected in all patients where a lipomyelomeningocele had not been operated on yet. Additional malformations shown by MRI were hydromyelia and diastematomyelia. No correlation could be found between the degree of morphologic changes and the clinical course. In covered MMCs, MRI investigation is recommended as method of choice before operation. After operative closure a control-MRI should be performed after three months. If there are no pathological findings, further follow-up should be done by ultrasound investigation twice a year.