Myelomeningocele versus myeloschisis: comparison of brain development and need for CSF diversion

Patients with myeloschisis have an increased need for CSF diversion after both prenatal and postnatal repair compared to those with MMC, which may be a consequence of increased rates of hindbrain herniation. The timing of CSF diversion after prenatal repair occurs later in patients with myeloschisis, which may be a consequence of lower rates of medullary compression. These findings suggest that there may be differences in pathophysiology between lesion types and may help with patient counseling.