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Cystic hygroma simulating an encephalocele
Author(s) -
Nevin Norman C.,
Nevin Jean,
Thompson William,
O'hara M. Denis
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
prenatal diagnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1097-0223
pISSN - 0197-3851
DOI - 10.1002/pd.1970030311
Subject(s) - cystic hygroma , fetus , encephalocele , medicine , amniotic fluid , gestation , amniocentesis , obstetrics , spina bifida , omphalocele , prenatal diagnosis , agenesis , pregnancy , anatomy , surgery , biology , genetics
An ultrasound examination at 17 weeks gestation on a woman with a family history of spina bifida suggested that the fetus had a closed encephalocele. Amniotic fluid alphafetoprotein, rapidly adhering cells and acetylcholinesterase gel electrophoresis were normal. The pregnancy was terminated and the fetus was found to have a large cystic hygroma. It is suggested that in counselling parents of an infant or fetus with a cystic hygroma and with a normal chromosome constitution, ultrasound examination in future pregnancies is advisable, because of the possibility of autosomal recessive inheritance.