What are Cephaloceles?

A cephalocele is defined as a herniation of cranial contents through a defect in the skull. Cephaloceles are classified according to their contents and location.

What is the difference between Cephalocele and encephalocele?

In summary, cephalocele refers to protrusion of brain and meninges (encephalocele) or meninges (meningocele) through a skull defect. The lesions are generally congenital sac-like structures of various sizes.

What is cranial Meningocele?

Disease definition. A rare central nervous system malformation characterized by herniation of meninges through a permanent defect in the skull. It is lined by arachnoid and contains cerebrospinal fluid, but no brain tissue.

What causes Iniencephaly?

Iniencephaly is a rare birth defect caused by improper closure of the neural tube (the part of a human embryo that becomes the brain and spinal cord) during fetal development.

What causes Meningomyelocele?

What causes myelomeningocele? The exact cause is unknown, but a lack of folic acid, exposure to viruses, exposure to radiation, and/or genetics are suspected. How is it diagnosed? It is diagnosed with prenatal blood work, amniocentesis, physical exam, and ultrasound.

What is Meningocele vs Myelomeningocele?

With meningoceles, the spinal cord has developed normally and is undamaged. The child has no neurological problems. Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida, occurring nearly once for every 1,000 live births.

What is the difference between anencephaly and exencephaly?

Exencephaly, a precursor of anencephaly, is defined as the presence of a relatively normal-appearing embryonic or fetal brain that is not encased in the calvarium. Anencephaly is defined as the complete or partial absence of the cranium.

How are cephaloceles categorized?

• They are categorized according to the site of the skull defect. • They are often sporadic, but the occipital form may be part of a genetic malformation syndrome. • Most cephaloceles and associated malformations are treated by surgery.

What is the prognosis of cephaloceles?

At medium and long term, 4 patients (8%) developed complications of psychomotor deficiency in 3 cases and hydrocephalus in 1 case. The main reasons for the poor prognosis were superinfection, hydrocephalus and/or other brain malformations. Conclusion: Cephaloceles remain relatively frequent in our practice.

What does a large cephalocele in an antenatal ultrasound scan indicate?

If a large cephalocele is noted in an antenatal ultrasound scan, it generally implies a poor prognosis. 1. Khanna G, Sato Y, Smith RJ et-al. Causes of facial swelling in pediatric patients: correlation of clinical and radiologic findings. Radiographics. 26 (1): 157-71. doi:10.1148/rg.261055050 – Pubmed citation 2.