Role of prenatal sonography in the managment of encephalocele

ABSTRACT

We present the findings in a series of 13 fetuses diagnosed as having encephalocele. 92% encephaloceles were located in the occipital region and 8% at the frontal region. The prognosis of the encephalocele was poor. Only 3[23%] of the 13 with follow up were borne alive at full term. One died in postpartum period. Out of the other two one died after surgery while one is surviving normal. One fetus was diagnosed as Meckle-Gruber syndrome. Associated cranial and extracranial abnormalities observed in various number of fetuses included Ventriculomegaly [43%], microcephaly [31%], unilateral microphthalmia [8%], Clept lip [16%]. Accurate prenatal diagnosis of encephalocele plays a major role in the management of the pregnancy, depending upon the type and extend of encephalocele, especially with associated anomalies and in care of the fetus and in counseling the parents prenataly for pediatric neurological problem: