Ultrasound Interactive Case Study: Anencephaly

Ultrasound case presentation by: Dr. Durr-e-Sabih - Multan, Pakistan - September 2000

 

 

History

Patient presented for an obstetric sonogram at 24 weeks gestation because of suspected polyhydramnios.

 

Ultrasound Findings

 

Fig 1a: Sagittal section through the fetal head and neck showing extreme cervical lordosis, set of two arrows points to fetal chin; set of 3 arrows points to fetal neck

 

 Fig 1b: Line drawing of major features in Fig 1a, set of two arrows points to fetal chin, set of 3 arrows points to hyper- extended fetal neck

Fig2: Coronal section through fetal spine, note that the fetal head is seen in a transverse section and both eyes are visible, in the same plane as the spine, possible only when there is severe hyperextension of the neck and the face is facing superiorly.

Fig3: fetal head  (right pane) showing mild ventriculomegaly and a markedly dilated IVth ventricle (Dandy-Walker Malformation). Fetal thorax (left pane) showing spina bifida, note the closed cystic area with central septum.