Abstract:Anencephaly occurs in 1:1,000 to 1:20,000 infants who are potential donors in pediatric heart transplantation, so it is important to define any morphologic differences between the anencephalic and normal heart in newborns. The dimensions of the heart in anencephalics, however, may differ. For example, the absence of cerebral tissue in anencephalic fetuses may decrease the heart load resulting in a smaller heart. The position of the heart in the thoracic cavity of an anencephalic fetus may affect the size and s… Show more
“…Anencephaly occurs in 1:1,000 to 1:20,000 infants. 1 Most of the anencephaly shows a multifactorial pattern of inheritance, with interaction of multiple genes as well as environmental factors. 2 Women who are planning to conceive should be informed about the importance of folic acid in fetal development and advised to take 400mcg/day of folic acid supplements.…”
Anencephaly is a condition in which there is an absence of skull and brain tissues. Absence of cranial vault mainly results because of defective neurulation. Absence of cerebral tissues may cause diminished heart size, due to decreased heart load causing various cardiac abnormalities. Here, we report a case of a primigravida lady at 17 weeks of gestation with misoprostol induced expulsion of fetus after ultrasonography revealed absence of brain tissue and calvarium above the orbits suggesting anencephaly. A 300g fetus was delivered which confirmed the ultrasound findings. The patient was discharged with advice for intake of folic acid beginning from 3 months before conception in future pregnancies. Neural tube defects can manifest within approximately 28 days of gestation which highlights the importance of oral folic acid intake before pregnancy.
“…Anencephaly occurs in 1:1,000 to 1:20,000 infants. 1 Most of the anencephaly shows a multifactorial pattern of inheritance, with interaction of multiple genes as well as environmental factors. 2 Women who are planning to conceive should be informed about the importance of folic acid in fetal development and advised to take 400mcg/day of folic acid supplements.…”
Anencephaly is a condition in which there is an absence of skull and brain tissues. Absence of cranial vault mainly results because of defective neurulation. Absence of cerebral tissues may cause diminished heart size, due to decreased heart load causing various cardiac abnormalities. Here, we report a case of a primigravida lady at 17 weeks of gestation with misoprostol induced expulsion of fetus after ultrasonography revealed absence of brain tissue and calvarium above the orbits suggesting anencephaly. A 300g fetus was delivered which confirmed the ultrasound findings. The patient was discharged with advice for intake of folic acid beginning from 3 months before conception in future pregnancies. Neural tube defects can manifest within approximately 28 days of gestation which highlights the importance of oral folic acid intake before pregnancy.
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