Successful Management of a Rare Case of Double Myelomeningocele in an Infant: A Case Report from Pakistan and Brief Review of Pathophysiology

Abstract

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common congenital anomalies, with myelomeningocele (MMC) being the most severe form. Double-level MMC is exceedingly rare, with fewer than 60 cases reported worldwide and none from Southeast Asia. We report a 4-month-old male with two congenital swellings on his back, diagnosed as double MMC at the cervical and lumbar levels, along with hydrocephalus and Arnold–Chiari malformation. Surgical management, including ventriculoperitoneal shunting and MMC repair, resulted in good outcomes. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely surgical intervention, and prenatal folic acid supplementation to reduce NTD risk in resource-limited settings.

Keywords

double myelomeningocele - myelomeningocele - hydrocephalus - ventriculoperitoneal shunt - neural tube defect

Authors' Contributions

H.A., M.A., and J.K. contributed to write the original draft of the report. F.A. and J.K. contributed to clinical treatment of the case. S.F.N., A.H., and S.A. contributed to editing and revising the manuscript. Supervision and resources were provided by J.K., F.A., and H.A. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Patient' Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient's guardian for publication of this case report and accompanying images. A copy of the written consent form is available for review by the editor-in-chief of this journal upon request.

Publication History

Article published online:
08 September 2025

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