Fetal MRI in Prenatal Diagnosis of Encephalocele

Pre-Natal Diagnosis of Occipital Encephalocele: A Rare Case

“…It is classified by location. It is divided into three major types: sincipital (frontoethmoidal), basal (trans-sphenoidal, sphenoethmoidal, transethmoidal, and spheno-orbital), and occipital [3].…”

“…Some have suggested that the onset of the most severe lesions may occur before 26 days after conception, while less severe lesions primarily involving the skull or meninges may occur later [1]. Some teratogenic factors before 10 weeks' gestation may be involved [3].…”

“…Encephalocele is defined as the externalization of brain tissue and/or meninges out of the skull through a congenital bone defect [1] [2]. It's a congenital malformation with a high risk of mortality and morbidity [3]. With an early prenatal diagnosis, the prognosis can be upgraded.…”

Fetal Occipital Encephalocele: A Case Report

“…23 Fetal MRI provides superior detail of encephalocele contents and location, which contributes to safe delivery planning. 23,24…”

“…23 Fetal MRI provides superior detail of encephalocele contents and location, which contributes to safe delivery planning. 23,24 Most encephaloceles are covered with skin or a thin membrane, resulting in a normal second trimester prenatal screen. 2,25 A maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screen is the earliest non-invasive biochemical test to provide information about the developing fetal neural axis.…”