The pattern of congenital malformation of the central nervous system (CNS) as seen in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) is slightly different from that seen in Europe, Japan and Southern Nigeria. Not all the various types of CNS malformations reported from these centres have been seen in JUTH. Myelomeningocele was the commonest anomaly of the CNS seen and it accounted for more than 60% of all cases. Bilateral talipes equinovarus deformity was the commonest associated anomaly found. No case of anencephaly was seen in this study.
PIP: A series of 80 children with congenital malformations of the central nervous system treated at the Neurosurgery Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in northern Nigeria from January 19844 to December 1985 is discussed. 5 children with hydrocephalus and 3 with myelomeningocele were not treated surgically and were excluded. These children accounted for 60% of all pediatric neurosurgery patients. They were initially seen from the age of 7 hours to 2 years. There were 47 (59%) with myelomeningocele, all but one, lumbosacral. Many of these either presented with rupture and infection or developed infectious postoperative complications. The postoperative mortality rate was 24%. There were 15 children, (19%) with hydrocephalus, 10 of whom were successfully implanted with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts; 3 children died. 12 children (15%) had encephalocele. 3 children, presenting at 8, 11, and 13 months, had craniosynostosis, 2 in the sagittal and 1 in the coronal plane. These patients have improved in terms of reduced seizure rates. 3 Arnold-Chiari malformations were found, one of whom survived surgery. Tools for assessing intellectual and neuromuscular deficits are needed for this population to objectify follow-up.