From the Guidelines
A meningocele in the chest typically occurs in the posterior mediastinal compartment of the thoracic cavity. This is a rare congenital anomaly where the meninges (protective membranes covering the spinal cord) protrude through a defect in the vertebral column and extend into the thoracic cavity. The posterior mediastinum is the anatomical space behind the heart and in front of the vertebral column, making it the natural compartment for extension of these spinal defects. These thoracic meningoceles form when there is incomplete fusion of the neural tube during embryonic development, allowing the meninges to herniate through intervertebral foramina or other vertebral defects. Key characteristics of meningoceles include:
- Isolated full skin thickness sac, filled with CSF and lacking central nervous tissue, as described in the study on congenital brain and spinal cord malformations 1
- Generally, affected children have no neurologic deficits, according to the study published in Pediatrics 1
- Meningoceles have been thought not to contain tethering elements, but careful dissection may disclose a fibrous tract that connects the inner lining of the sac with the spinal cord; a meningocele can, therefore, cause tethering, as noted in the study 1. Patients may be asymptomatic or experience symptoms like chest pain, dyspnea, or neurological symptoms depending on the size and location of the meningocele. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, which can clearly delineate the meningocele extending from the spinal canal into the posterior mediastinum.
From the Research
Meningocele and Compartment Chest
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically mentions the compartment chest in relation to meningocele.
- However, meningocele is a type of congenital disorder that involves the protrusion of the meninges through a defect in the spine or skull, which can lead to various complications [ 2, 3 ].
- The provided studies discuss the management and treatment of meningocele and related conditions, such as myelomeningocele and pseudomeningocele, but do not specifically address the compartment chest [ 4, 5,6 ].
- It is essential to note that meningocele can be associated with other conditions, such as sacral meningocele, which can present with abdominal or pelvic symptoms 3.
- In some cases, meningocele can lead to complications, such as infection, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula, or pseudomeningocele, which may require surgical intervention [ 2, 5,6 ].