Publication:

Encephalocele presented in late third trimester: a case report

In present era, most of the NTDs are diagnosed at quite early gestation, thanks to advancement in imaging technology. So it is rare to see a case of NTD in late gestational age. Encephalocele is still rare type of NTD, when we come across such a case in late gestational period associated with another risk factor (Previous LSCS), it can really present a challenge for management. We had to face such a case requiring skillful management. A 23 year, G2 P1 L1 with previous LSCS was referred to our institution for severe anemia. USG showed 37 weeks single, live fetus with absence of cranial vault& irregular compressed cystic structure attached to vault attached in occipital region. Previous USG done at 12 weeks showed no abnormality, while USG at 27 weeks showed Acrania. Ideal management of this patient could have been done if this anomaly was diagnosed before 20 weeks where option of MTP was clearly available. Though with high resolution technical and instrument and with expert sonologist encephalocele can be diagnosed by 14 weeks.