Etymed
meningocele
Definition
A congenital condition where the meninges (membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) and cerebrospinal fluid protrude through a defect in the skull or spine, forming a sac-like structure
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents with a painless, fluctuant mass on her back that has been present since birth. The lesion is covered by skin and contains cerebrospinal fluid. MRI reveals a sac containing meninges and CSF without neural elements. This congenital anomaly is typically diagnosed in infancy and may be associated with tethered cord syndrome if located in the lumbar region.
Mnemonic
Meningocele = Meninges + CSF + Cystic sac (M-C-S)