rachischisis

Introduction

Complete spina bifida.

Pathology

• developmental birth defect involving the neural tube
• occurs in utero, when the posterior neuropore of the neural tube fails to close by day 27 of gestation
• the vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord do not fully form & remain unfused & open, leaving the spinal cord exposed
• often occurs in combination anencephaly

Clinical manifestations

• motor & sensory deficits*
• chronic infections*

* if newborn survives long enough

Complications

• almost always fatal

More general terms

• spina bifida