In simple words: Cervical spina bifida with hydrocephalus is a birth defect where the baby's spine in the neck area doesn't fully form, and there's extra fluid buildup in the brain.

Cervical spina bifida with hydrocephalus is a congenital malformation characterized by the incomplete closure of the spinal column in the cervical (neck) region during fetal development.This defect allows the spinal cord and its protective membranes to protrude, forming a sac-like structure.The accompanying hydrocephalus refers to an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles (fluid-filled cavities) of the brain, which can put pressure on the brain and cause a variety of neurological problems.

Example 1: A newborn infant presents with a visible sac-like protrusion on the back of the neck. Imaging studies reveal an open spinal defect in the cervical region and enlarged ventricles in the brain, confirming the diagnosis of cervical spina bifida with hydrocephalus. , A fetus is diagnosed with cervical spina bifida and hydrocephalus during a routine prenatal ultrasound.The parents are counseled about the condition and potential treatment options., An infant with cervical spina bifida and hydrocephalus undergoes surgery to close the spinal defect and place a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid.

Detailed clinical documentation should include the location and extent of the spinal defect, presence and severity of hydrocephalus, any associated neurological deficits, and treatment procedures performed. Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, are crucial for confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment.

** Excludes1: Arnold-Chiari syndrome, type II (Q07.0-) and spina bifida occulta (Q76.0). Excludes2: inborn errors of metabolism (E70-E88)