Diagnosis and management of fetal cephalocele

During a two-year period, nine cases of cephalocele were evaluated at the authors' perinatal ultrasound unit. There was one false positive and one false negative diagnosis. In five cases, multiple anomalies were present; three as part of the amnion rupture sequence. The obstetric management consisted of elective termination of pregnancy in five cases and cesarean section in four. The value of sonography in the diagnosis of cephalocele and associated syndromes and malformations is discussed. A plan of management and counseling based upon current understanding of prognosis is presented.