Diastematomyelia

Diastematomyelia is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by a sagittal division of the spinal cord into two hemicords. These hemicords are often surrounded by separate dural sacs and may be separated by a bony, cartilaginous, or fibrous septum. This condition typically occurs in the thoracolumbar region and can lead to neurological deficits.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of diastematomyelia. This diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans of the spine. It is often identified in patients presenting with progressive neurological symptoms, scoliosis, or cutaneous stigmata over the spine.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "diastematomyelia" and not a general spinal cord malformation.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for associated conditions such as spina bifida (Q05.-) or scoliosis (M41.-) if present and documented.
• Do not confuse with diplomyelia, which involves a complete duplication of the spinal cord, though both are types of spinal dysraphism.