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Pattern of encephaloceles: a case series

Riaz A Raja1, Aftab A Qureshi, Abdul Rauf Memon

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro (Sindh), Pakistan. riazrajamemon@yahoo.com

Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
|November 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Occipital encephalocele is the most common type in Pakistan. Surgical outcomes for encephalocele were generally favorable, with most patients experiencing uneventful recovery after sac resection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Congenital Malformations
  • Cranial Defects

Background:

  • Encephalocele involves cranial content protrusion through skull defects, often leading to significant physical and intellectual disabilities.
  • It is less common than spinal dysraphism, with unknown global frequency.
  • Understanding encephalocele patterns and surgical outcomes is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the patterns of various encephalocele types.
  • To evaluate surgical outcomes in patients with encephalocele.
  • To analyze clinical features and congenital anomalies associated with encephalocele.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive case series conducted at Liaquat University Hospital, Pakistan (2005-2007).
  • Included patients with occipital, sincipital, and parietal encephaloceles.
  • Evaluated clinical features, congenital anomalies, and utilized ultrasound, CT, and MRI; maintained operative and postoperative records.

Main Results:

  • 25 children (19 male, 6 female) aged 6 days to 2 years were studied.
  • Occipital encephalocele was the most frequent type, accounting for 80% of cases.
  • All patients underwent surgery with one mortality; postoperative follow-up indicated favorable outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Occipital encephalocele is the predominant type in the studied population.
  • Sac contents often consist of dysplastic brain tissue, suggesting it can be safely resected.
  • Surgical intervention for encephalocele can yield positive results.
Abstract

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