Congenital dermal sinus cutaneous abnormalities, infection, and neurological deficits. Congenital dermal sinus is a tract from the surface layer of the skin, through the deeper tissues into the cranial or spinal cavity. The skin findings of this tract can include: The stratified squamous epithelium of the congenital dermal sinus tract can extend to the spinal fascia of the dura mater or all the way to the spinal cord. Thus, the congenital dermal sinus forms a point of entry for infection, this can allow for the formation of an abscess. Infection can then travel up the spinal cord to result in meningitis, which can
Congenital dermal sinus skin to the spinal cord lined with stratified squamous epithelium, surrounded by dermal and neurological tissue. The tract may terminate in the deep fascia, or even make contact with neural elements. Congenital dermal sinus may form at any point along the midline of the neuraxis, however, the majority form in the lumbar and lumbosacral region (41% and 35% of cases respectively). Congenital dermal sinus is often diagnosed in infants and children. Early diagnosis is important in congenital dermal sinus, so that treatment can be provided early, to prevent progression of associated complications. There three key hallmarks of congenital dermal sinus: