Encephalocele: a case report

Encephalocele is a congenital anomaly in which intracranial structures protrude out of cranium in a “sac” form from a calvarial and dural defect as a result of the union defect of cranial bones. It is a midline defect and frequently seen in occipital region, and called as “cephalocele”. Meningocele is considered if there are meninges filled with cerebrospinal fluid in the sac, and encephalocele is considered if there is also brain tissue in the sac in addition to the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. The incidence rate of encephalocele is 1/5000 live birth. Most of them are (85%) are occipital located fetuses, of which 70% are male.  Encephalocele mostly results with spontaneous abortion. Cranial defects can easily be diagnosed during early period fetal examination, and prenatal consultancy can be given to the family. The case was 28 years old with 6 pregnancies, 4 living and 1 abortion and she did not have prenatal follow-up. She was in a first degree kin marriage. There were no particular characteristics in her medical history; however, there was anencephaly delivery in her family history. She was using no drug. In the fetal examination, it was found that she was on 17 weeks of gestation and there was an appearance compatible with cephalocele in sizes of 14x12 mm, protruding posterior from occipital region. No additional anomaly was found. The patient was informed about the possible risks, and she decided to maintain the pregnancy. It was seen in her follow-ups that cephalocele increased progressively. Since her gestational pains started on 36 weeks of gestation, she had c-section in a tertiary center and her baby was ex on postpartum 12th hour. It is possible to diagnose encephalocele by first trimester US. Early diagnosis can be established and required consultancy can be provided to the family.

Keywords

Occipital encephalocele.