Skin markers of occult spinal dysraphism in children: a review of 54 cases.

Objectives: To verify the diagnostic value of lumbosacral midline cutaneous lesions in asymptomatic children to detect occult spinal dysraphism (OSD) and to propose a practical approach for clinical investigations with respect to the type of cutaneous lesions observed.

Design: Retrospective study of 54 children referred to the Department of Pediatric Dermatology between 1990 and 1999 for congenital midline lumbosacral cutaneous lesions.

Setting: The private or institutional practices of participating dermatologists and pediatricians.