Explore chapters on anencephaly and cephalocele.
Anencephaly
Anencephaly is the total or partial absence of brain tissue and the cranial vault. The face and eyes are present. It is a lethal condition. Early sonographic diagnosis is possible at the end of first trimester. Folic acid use in the periconceptional period has a protective effect.
Cephalocele
A cephalocele is the protrusion of intracranial contents, brain and/or meninges, through a defect in the skull. It occurs most frequently in the occipital area. The prognosis is dependent to the size and the content of the defect. Cephaloceles may be a part of several syndromes.