Prenatal diagnosis of microcephaly with fronto-ethmoidal Meninggoencephalocele by ultrasound – A case report

Abstract

Microcephaly is a congenital anomaly of the central nervous system.  It’s effect on the fetus depends on the severity and the causes.  Other associated malformations are important prognostic factors.  Microcephalus means the head circumference is equal or less than 3 standard deviations below the mean.  However only 14% of all microcephalic infants diagnosed by the first year of age had been detected at birth.  Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the causes of this anomaly.  At present time prenatal diagnosis by ultrasound makes much more progress in Medicine.  Measurement of the fetal head by ultrasound helps to make the diagnosis of microcephaly and screening for other associated anomalies.  The earlier onset of microcephaly has the more severe mental retardation.  If the diagnosis is made before viability,  the option of termination of pregnancy should be considered.  A case of microcephalic fetus with frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele was diagnosed in antepartum period by ultrasound at 27 weeks of gestation.  After counseling process, termination of pregnancy was performed without any complications.