Antenatally diagnosed posterior Meningoencephalocele: a case report

Abstract

Congenital encephalocele is a neural tube defect which is caused by an embryonic development abnormality. It is characterized by a sac-like protrusion of the brain, meninges and other intracranial structures through the skull. 75% of encephalocoeles are occipital. Pre-natal screening is very essential for timely recognition of the condition. At the same time, proper intake of folic acid in the first few weeks of pregnancy may reduce the occurrence of this form of NTD. The prognosis is variable depending on the presence of associated anomalies and presence of microcephaly (carries a much poorer prognosis). A favorable surgical outcome generally follows an accurate strategy taking into account individual features of the lesion. A Caesarian delivery may be considered to allow for less traumatic birth for the fetal head. Here we present a case of a foetus with posterior meningoencephalocoele diagnosed antenatally at 32 weeks of pregnancy. Patient was delivered by elective Cesearian section. The encephalocoele was resected and the defect was closed primarily. The baby was well on the regular follow-up at the neurosurgery outpatient department.