Type 1 Diastematomyelia Presenting in Adulthood: A Case Report of an Atypical Presentation.

Introduction: Diastematomyelia is an uncommon congenital spinal cord abnormality, which is classically found in females and children. It involves the splitting of the spinal cord, either by a bony spur or by a fibrous septum. Diagnosis is usually made by using radiological investigations such as MRI and CT scans. Case Presentation: In this case report, we present a rare case of an adult presenting with symptoms of lower back pain, urinary incontinence, and decreased sensation in the perineum secondary to diastematomyelia. MRI was used for diagnosis and a lower thoracic spinal cord malformation was noted. She failed conservative treatment and was referred for surgery. A large Tarlov cyst was also noted upon operation. She tolerated the operation well and had good motor-evoked potentials after the surgery. Moreover, she also reported resolution of bladder function at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: Thus, diastematomyelia can also present in an adult. While conservative treatment can provide relief in mild cases, surgery provides a definitive solution.