Spina Bifida - A Retrospective Study

Background: The occurrence of congenital anomalies is increasing in the present era. The incidence is estimatedto be 3-7% of the congenital disorders.Aim: The present study is focused on the spina bifida and to know the incidence of spinal defects in north Indianpopulation. This study will be helpful for providing baseline data from the north Indian population.Methodology: The present study was done on 1400 fetuses which were sent by gynecology and obstetricsdepartment of GMCH Sec. 32, Chandigarh to anatomy department for autopsy purpose during period of 2008 to2017. In every case, location and morphology of spinal defects were observed.Results: The present study showed 11.7% cases with spinal defects, out of these, 1.2% spina bifida closed(occulta) and 10.5% spina bifida open defects were noted which included 1.2% ventral spinal defects, 31.7%with meningocele, 24.3% myelomeningocele, 28.6% myelocele and 12.8% with rachischisis.Conclusions: It is important to note the detection of congenital anomalies in early stage of gestation. It isadvantageous for the obstetrician in planning the line of management whether to continue the pregnancy or not.

Prenatal ultrasound in diagnosis of omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects complex in first trimester / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To explore the value of prenatal ultrasound in diagnosis of omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anusspinal defects (OEIS) in first trimester.Methods Prenatal ultrasonic characteristics of 10 fetuses with OEIS complex in first trimester were retrospectively analyzed and compared with autopsy results.Results Cystic bulging in the lower anterior abdominal wall was observed in all 10 fetuses.Spinal scoliosis dysplasia was found in 10 fetuses,with myelomeningocele in 3 fetuses.No normal bladder was visualized in 8 fetuses.Thickened nuchal translucency was noticed in 5 fetuses,among which neck lymphatic hydrocele was found in 1 fetus.The bilateral clubbed feet and left lower mutilation was observed in 1 fetus,respectively.All 10 OEIS complex fetuses were found accompanied with short umbilical cord,while single umbilical artery and umbilical cord cyst were found in 4 and 1 fetus,respectively.Autopsy showed abdominal wall defects with exstrophy in 10 fetuses.However,no complete cystic bulging was found.Besides,autopsy also showed pubic symphysis separation and bladder exstrophy in 10 fetuses without obvious genitalia nor anus.Conclusion Cystic bulging in the lower anterior abdominal wall is the most common prenatal ultrasonic characteristic of OEIS complex in first trimester.