In regard to this, a previous study of patients with NTDs reported a higher incidence of VANGL2 mutations in cases with closed spinal NTDs (2.5%, compared to 0.5% in open spina bifida); these cases of closed spinal NTDs with VANGL2 mutations also showed a higher prevalence of lipoma (Kibar et al., 2011). The gene discussed is VANGL2; the disease is spina bifida.