Anatomical variations of the spinal cord are seen in many manifestations; one rare variant that does not stem from a neural tube defect is known as a split cord malformation (SCM). In this variation, a deviation from normal development causes the spinal cord to divide into two hemicords, typically in the lumbar region. In the case described here, a SCM was observed with large, bilateral, radiculopial arteries. To our knowledge, such large vessels in conjunction with a SCM has not previously been documented in the literature. Such variants could be problematic during surgical approaches to the lumbar spine. Herein, we report the case and discuss the development of the findings with relevant clinical applications.
Keywords: blood supply; diastematomyelia; occult spinal dysraphism; spinal cord; split cord malformation.