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A ten-year review of encephalocele in a teaching hospital
V A Adetiloye1, F O Dare, O A Oyelami
1Department of Radiodiagnosis, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Insights
Encephalocele, a neural tube defect, occurs in 0.5/1000 births, primarily affecting the occipital region. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for infants with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Medical Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Encephalocele is a severe congenital neural tube defect.
- Understanding its incidence and characteristics is vital for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence, types, and associated anomalies of encephalocele.
- To discuss the diagnostic and management strategies for encephalocele.
Main Methods:
- A 10-year retrospective review of infants diagnosed with encephalocele.
- Data collected from a multicentered teaching hospital.
Main Results:
- Incidence of encephalocele was 0.5 per 1000 births (12 cases out of 23,438 infants).
- Occipital encephalocele was most common (75%), followed by occipitoparietal (16.7%) and fronto-nasal (8.3%).
- Associated anomalies included spina bifida (2 cases) and ocular abnormalities (2 cases).
- Hydrocephalus and delayed milestones were observed post-surgery; prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis was limited.
Conclusions:
- Encephalocele is a rare but significant birth defect with varied presentations.
- Multidisciplinary management is essential for improving outcomes.
- Further research into prenatal diagnosis and etiologic factors is warranted.
Abstract:
A 10-year review of infants with encephalocele was carried out in a multicentered teaching hospital. Out of 23,438 infants seen within the period, only 12 cases of encephalocele were seen, giving an incidence of 0.5/1000 births. Nine (75%) of patients had occipital encephalocele, two (16.7%) occipitoparietal and one (8.3%) fronto-nasal. Two patients had spina bifida as an associated neural tube defect while ocular abnormalities were seen in another two. None had neurological defects at birth but some showed evidence of hydrocephalus and delayed milestones after surgery. Ultrasonic diagnosis was made in one case only. The etiologic, prognostic and descriptive characteristics, in addition to obstetric management of encephalocele are discussed.