A sacral dimple on a newborn may signify which condition?

A sacral dimple on a newborn may signify which condition?

• A. Meningitis
• B. Hydrocephalus
• C. Cystic fibrosis
• D. Spina bifida

Answer: (D)

A sacral dimple in a newborn can be a sign of occult spinal dysraphism, most commonly spina bifida occulta. This skin finding may be a marker of incomplete closure of the spinal canal in the sacral region. While many dimples are harmless, a deeper dimple, one located higher than the gluteal crease, or one with associated skin findings like a tuft of hair, a skin tag, or a vascular mark, suggests an underlying spinal abnormality. If there's concern, imaging such as a spinal ultrasound in infancy or MRI later on is used to evaluate for spina bifida. Meningitis and hydrocephalus aren’t indicated by a simple sacral dimple, and cystic fibrosis is unrelated.

A sacral dimple in a newborn can be a sign of occult spinal dysraphism, most commonly spina bifida occulta. This skin finding may be a marker of incomplete closure of the spinal canal in the sacral region. While many dimples are harmless, a deeper dimple, one located higher than the gluteal crease, or one with associated skin findings like a tuft of hair, a skin tag, or a vascular mark, suggests an underlying spinal abnormality. If there's concern, imaging such as a spinal ultrasound in infancy or MRI later on is used to evaluate for spina bifida. Meningitis and hydrocephalus aren’t indicated by a simple sacral dimple, and cystic fibrosis is unrelated.