Anencephaly and its associated malformations

J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Sep;8(9):AC07-9. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/10402.4885. Epub 2014 Sep 20.

Abstract

Introduction: Anencephaly is a serious neural tube defect in which parts of the brain and skull are not developed. But apart from this it is also associated with other malformations which are not related to neural tube in development.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to find the associated congenital malformations in western region of India and establish a aetiological correlation.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted using 20 anencephalic fetuses.

Results: Nearly 80% of fetuses had associated malformations. Spina bifida was seen in 9 fetuses and cleft palate in 8. Female fetus with cleft palate had other severe associated gastrointestinal and skeletal malformation.

Conclusion: In cases of anencephaly other associated malfor-mations like spina bifida and cleft palate are commonly seen.

Keywords: Anencephaly; Cleft palate; Clubbed foot; Spina bifida.