Dermal sinus tract

Midline dermal sinus tracts, a type of spinal dysraphism (defective fusion of the neural tube leading to spinal or bony abnormalities), result from incomplete closure of the embryonic neuroectoderm early in embryonic development. The midline lesion with a central pit may be an important clue to the connection of the skin surface to the spinal canal, which occurs in approximately 50 percent of dermal sinuses. Meningeal infections, sometimes with an unusual organism(s), can also be a clue to the presence of this lesion. Dermal sinus tracks can leak spinal fluid, and neurologic deficits may be present. Lesions are most frequent in the lumbosacral region but can be anywhere along the midline of the back. They may be associated with other skin lesions. They are generally above the gluteal cleft.