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Large encephalocele at the anterior fontanel--case report
Insights
A newborn girl with a large anterior meningoencephalocele and associated anomalies underwent successful surgical resection and shunting. This intervention allowed the infant to achieve a good general condition post-hospitalization.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Congenital Malformations
Background:
- Meningoencephalocele is a severe neural tube defect involving protrusion of meninges and brain tissue.
- Anterior fontanel meningoencephaloceles are rare and associated with significant morbidity.
Observation:
- A newborn presented with a large (18.5 cm) anterior fontanel meningoencephalocele.
- Associated anomalies included microcephalus, cleft palate, and uvula bifida.
Findings:
- Skull X-ray revealed craniolacunia; CT scan showed cerebral maldevelopment.
- Post-resection, CT demonstrated dilated lateral ventricles, indicating hydrocephalus.
Implications:
- Surgical resection of large meningoencephaloceles is feasible.
- Management of associated hydrocephalus via shunting is crucial for favorable outcomes.
Abstract:
The authors report a newborn girl with a large meningoencephalocele, 18.5 cm in diameter, at the anterior fontanel. She had several accompanying anomalies, including microcephalus, cleft palate, and a uvula bifida. A plain skull x-ray revealed craniolacunia and a computed tomography (CT) scan showed maldevelopment of the cerebrum. The mass was resected, after which the fontanel was noted to bulge. CT demonstrated dilated lateral ventricles. A successful shunting procedure permitted the infant to leave the hospital in good general condition.