Spine imaging: diastematomyelia: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Spine imaging: diastematomyelia

Sample item

A child with a tuft of hair over the lumbar spine has an MRI showing the spinal cord split into two hemicords at L2, separated by a bony spur, with a widened interpedicular distance. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Diastematomyelia (split cord malformation)

In split cord malformation, a midline bony or fibrous septum divides the cord into two hemicords, and it is linked to tethering and a cutaneous marker. Surgery removes the spur and releases the cord.

Option by option

  • A. Spinal lipoma

    A lipoma is a fatty mass attached to the cord.

  • B. Chiari I malformation

    Chiari I is tonsillar descent.

  • C. Syringomyelia

    Syringomyelia is a fluid cavity in a single cord.

  • D. Diastematomyelia (split cord malformation) (correct)

    Correct. Two hemicords with a septum define diastematomyelia.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is D, Diastematomyelia (split cord malformation). In split cord malformation, a midline bony or fibrous septum divides the cord into two hemicords, and it is linked to tethering and a cutaneous marker.

Why is "Spinal lipoma" not the answer?

A lipoma is a fatty mass attached to the cord.

Why is "Chiari I malformation" not the answer?

Chiari I is tonsillar descent.

Why is "Syringomyelia" not the answer?

Syringomyelia is a fluid cavity in a single cord.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine imaging: diastematomyelia in Radiology. Surgery removes the spur and releases the cord.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Spine imaging: diastematomyelia?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.