Magnetic resonance evaluation of spinal dysraphism in children.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the spine was performed as the initial imaging technique in 20 children when spinal dysraphism was suspected clinically and plain radiographs showed spina bifida. The correlation with surgical findings indicated that MR provided accurate information preoperatively in all the cases. Some unusual observations in cases with spina bifida cystica and occulta are discussed. It is concluded that plain radiograph and MR complete the preoperative radiologic evaluation of cases with spinal dysraphism.