Congenital Giant Occipital Meningoencephalocele in A Holstein Calf Fetus

Abstract

A 6-month-old dead fetus, removed from the uterus of a 4-year-old Holstein cow, was referred to our department. A fluctuant sac, approximately 25x20x30 cm, covered with skin was observed over the occipital region of the cranium. Almost 4 liters lucid liquid was discharged from the sac. After the dissection of the soft tissue, a 1 cm diameter hole with irregular edges in connection with extracranial sac was determined on top of the occipital region of the left hemisphere in the cerebrum. The subject was diagnosed as meningoencephalocele due to the existence of prolapsed cerebellum in the sac. Also, a second channel connecting the fourth ventricle into the sac was also determined via MR images. An occipital meningoencephalocele in a 6-month-old holstein fetus was defined in this case report by pathologic-anatomic and radiological diagnosis. Keywords: Calf, Cranium anomaly, Meningoencephalocele Bir Holştayn Fetüste Görülen Konjenital Dev Oksipital Meningoensefalosel ÖzetBu raporun materyalini; kesilen 4 yaşlı Holştayn ırkı bir sığırın uterusundan ölü olarak çıkarılan ve bölümümüze getirilen yaklaşık 6 aylık bir fetüs oluşturdu. Kraniumun oksipital bölgesinde fluktuan yapıda yaklaşık 25x20x30 cm boyutlarında deri ile kaplı bir kese gözlendi. Kese içinden yaklaşık 4 litre berrak akışkan sıvı boşaltıldı. Kafa yumuşak dokuların ayrılması sonrası beyinde sol hemisferin oksipital bölgesinin üst kısmında ekstrakranial kese ile bağlantılı kenarları düzensiz 1 cm çapında bir delik gözlendi. Kese içerisine beyinciğin prolobe olması olguya meningoensefalosel tanısını koydurdu. Ayrıca kese içerisine ventrikulus kuartusun bağlantısını sağlayan ikinci bir kanalın varlığı da MR görüntüleri ile tespit edildi. Bu raporda; 6 aylık holştayn fetüsta görülen oksipital meningoensefalosel patolojik-anatomik ve radyolojik bulgularıyla tanımlandı.

Gross Anatomical Study of Congenital Meningoencephalocoele and Craniofacial Deformities in A Kid

“…Meninges and portion of brain were herniated outside through both defects. In meningocele and meningo-encephalocele cases, the herniated pouch may or may not be covered with the skin (Yaman et al, 2013). In the present study, the meningoencephalocoele was not covered by skin and there was no accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid.…”

“…It was hypothesized that a sac-like structure would have been enclosing the head, which may have ruptured during birth exposing the cranial defects. Presence of fluidfilled sac-like structure was reported in the case of meningoencephalocoele in calves (Yaman et al, 2013 andDi Muro et al, 2020). The posterior part of the head was not covered by skin and showed two separate cranial defects in the parietal region.…”

“…On physical examination, the animal was unable to stand even with assistance and proprioception was absent. Similarly, Yaman et al (2013) reported that a brown Swiss calf with congenital meningoencephalocoele and other craniofacial deformities was never able to stand up and walk.…”

“…Potential anomalies that accompanied with meningoencephalocoele were bilateral cryptorchidism (Lapointe et al, 2000), cranioschisis, spina bifida (Ohba et al, 2008), kyphoscoliosis (Zani et al, 2010), anopthalmia (Manjunath et al, 2015) and agenesis of nasal septum, prognathia, dermoid cyst (Yaman et al, 2013).…”

“…The orbits and eyeballs appeared to be developed completely. Meningoencephalocele can form separately or can be accompanied with certain other malformations within the same site or in other part of the body (Yaman et al, 2013).…”