The following are the most important conditions or complications that may be contributed to by spina bifida:
Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99).
- Arnold-Chiari syndrome – group of developmental disorders with displacement of cerebellar parts through the foramen magnum (occipital hole) with concomitant reduced posterior fossa into the spinal canal (vertebral canal); type 1: Here, there is displacement of the cerebellar tonsils (part of the cerebellum; belong to the neocerebellum, which makes up most of the cerebellum). As a complication, syringomyelia (cavity formation in the gray matter of the spinal cord) may occur. Causes: heterogeneous, mostly unknown, autosomal recessive?; polygenic causes with involvement of endogenous-teratogenic factors are discussed.
- Foot deformities such as clubfoot (pes equinovarus, formerly also called pes varus).
- Facial dysmorphia (genetic malformation of the face).
- Hip dysplasia (congenital malformation of acetabulum leading to congenital hip dislocation (hip joint dislocation)).
- Cleft lip and palate (cleft lip and palate).
- Esophageal atresia – genetically not created esophagus.
- Tethered cord syndrome – neuromuscular/orthopedic dysfunction caused by a fixed filum terminale (spinal cord end).
- Genitourinary malformations, e.g., unilateral renal agenesis (congenital absence of a kidney)
- Diaphragmatic defects
Cardiovascular system (I00-I99)
- Ventricular septal defect – congenital or acquired defect of the septum of the ventricles.
Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).
- Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease).
- Osteoporosis (“immobilization osteoporosis”)
- Scoliosis – sideways bending of the spine, with simultaneous rotation of the vertebrae, which can no longer be fully straightened.
Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99)
- Epilepsy (in about 18-40% spina bifida is associated with epilepsy).
- Hydrocephalus (hydrocephalus)
- Meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord membranes).
- Myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord).
- Paraplegia – depending on the level of the defect (thoracic, lumbar, or sacral); most spina bifida aperta (SBA) patients with thoracolumbar defects are wheelchair-bound
Symptoms and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not classified elsewhere (R00-R99)
- Urinary incontinence (bladder weakness).
- Fecal incontinence (inability to retain stool).
Genitourinary system (kidneys, urinary tract – reproductive organs) (N00-N99).
- Glomerulonephritis – kidney disease, with inflammation of the kidney filterlets (glomeruli).