Congenital dermal sinus It ensures that neurological condition does not degrade and prevents infection. Diagnosis can be confirmed through the use of advanced neuroimaging to observe the tract and associated lesions. During normal development, cutaneous ectoderm separates from neuroectoderm to allow for the insertion of mesoderm. That is, the skin separates from the tissue of the spinal cord to allow proper formation of the vertebral column. In cases of congenital dermal sinus there is a failure in this process, resulting in formation of a persistent connection between the skin and neural tissue. This manifests as a tract extending from the surface of the
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: