Bilateral Lateral Thoracic Meningoceles: An Unusual Cause of Recurrent Respiratory Infections in a Non‐Syndromic Infant

Abstract

Lateral thoracic meningoceles are rare spinal dysraphisms, often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) and typically diagnosed in adults. Their presentation in infancy without syndromic features is exceptional. We report the case of a 6-month-old female infant who presented with failure to thrive and recurrent respiratory infections. The neurological examination was normal, and there were no cutaneous stigmata of spinal dysraphism or features of Lehman syndrome. Initial imaging raised suspicion for neuroenteric cysts; however, the definitive diagnosis was established by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which revealed bilateral lateral meningoceles containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) without neural elements. Given the patient's stable neurological status, a conservative management strategy was adopted. The patient was treated for her respiratory symptoms and discharged in stable condition with a plan for close multidisciplinary surveillance. This case highlights an atypical, non-neurological presentation of a rare congenital spinal anomaly. It underscores the importance of including lateral meningoceles in the differential diagnosis for infants with unexplained recurrent pulmonary symptoms. While surgical excision is indicated for progressive deficits, this report suggests that conservative management is a viable approach for neurologically intact patients.