Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
17-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 2:30 PM
Description
Faun tail nevus (FTN) is a rare congenital cutaneous finding characterized by a localized tuft of hair over the lower lumbar vertebrae, typically in a midline distribution. Although faun tail nevus can be present without underlying spinal abnormality, it is frequently seen in the presence of underlying occult spinal dysraphism, most commonly spina bifida occulta. The presence and severity of accompanying cutaneous features, such as dense hypertrichosis, midline dimpling, dermal sinus tracts, or visible subcutaneous tracking, may correlate with the extent of underlying spinal pathology. Given this association, spinal imaging with ultrasound in infants or magnetic resonance imaging in older patients should be considered even in the absence of neurologic symptoms, as a preventive measure to identify occult abnormalities. Dermatologists and pediatricians are uniquely positioned to recognize FTN during routine skin examinations and to distinguish it from benign, non-midline hypertrichosis lacking additional cutaneous stigmata. Early identification can facilitate timely referral and appropriate imaging, enabling prompt diagnosis of spina bifida occulta and potentially preventing delayed neurologic sequelae.
Embargo Period
6-4-2026
Included in
A Literature Review of the Correlation between Faun Tail Nevus presentation and Spinal Dysraphisms
Philadelphia, PA
Faun tail nevus (FTN) is a rare congenital cutaneous finding characterized by a localized tuft of hair over the lower lumbar vertebrae, typically in a midline distribution. Although faun tail nevus can be present without underlying spinal abnormality, it is frequently seen in the presence of underlying occult spinal dysraphism, most commonly spina bifida occulta. The presence and severity of accompanying cutaneous features, such as dense hypertrichosis, midline dimpling, dermal sinus tracts, or visible subcutaneous tracking, may correlate with the extent of underlying spinal pathology. Given this association, spinal imaging with ultrasound in infants or magnetic resonance imaging in older patients should be considered even in the absence of neurologic symptoms, as a preventive measure to identify occult abnormalities. Dermatologists and pediatricians are uniquely positioned to recognize FTN during routine skin examinations and to distinguish it from benign, non-midline hypertrichosis lacking additional cutaneous stigmata. Early identification can facilitate timely referral and appropriate imaging, enabling prompt diagnosis of spina bifida occulta and potentially preventing delayed neurologic sequelae.
Comments
Presented by Feryal Hilmi.