segmental spinal dysgenesis (SSD) fetal ultrasound

BY DR NAJMA AIJAZ

dysgenesis of the lumbosacral region .
Here’s a breakdown to support why this is not
rachischisis totalis:
Rachischisis totalis involves complete failure
of neural tube closure, with the entire spinal
cord exposed and undeveloped

• It is typically associated with iniencephaly,
  characterized by extreme retroflexion of the
  head, a short spine, and absence of the neck-
  none of which are seen here.
  In contrast, this case fits the features of
  segmental spinal dysgenesis (SSD):
• A rare, non-lethal congenital anomaly
  Characterized by focal agenesis or
  dysgenesis of the spinal cord and/or vertebral
  column, usually in the thoracolumbar or
  lumbosacral region
  ‣ In SSD, only a portion of the spinal cord is
  affected, not the entire length
  This distinction supports the interpretation that
  this is a case of SSD rather than rachischisis
  totalis.