Radiographic gradation of lumbosacral dysgenesis.

The caudal dysgenesis syndrome comprises partial or complete agenesis of the lumbosacral vertebrae, as well as associated musculoskeletal, neurologic and visceral abnormalities. Maternal diabetes mellitus appears to be the most important etiologic factor, but for most patients the etiology is unknown. In the majority of cases, radiologic diagnosis is established readily, but minor degrees often coinciding with a serious urologic disease or a lower limb abnormality may be overlooked.