A large posterior encephalocele associated with severe ventriculomegaly, cerebellar atrophy and transposition of the great arteries

Abstract

Posterior encephalocele is a neural tube defect, which is a sac-like protrusion of the neural tissue and cerebrospinal fluid through a defect in the occipital bone. This embryonic anomaly may coexist with cortical dysplasia, agenesis of the corpus callosum, hydrocephalus, microcephaly, craniofacial abnormalities, ventricular and atrial septal defect. We report a case of a large posterior encephalocele in a fetus accompanied by unexpected major abnormalities including transposition of the great arteries, severe ventriculomegaly and cerebellar atrophy. Postnatal surgical corrections of the posterior encephalocele and then of the transposition of the great arteries were performed but the neonate died 2 months after delivery.

Keywords: encephalocele; obstetrics; transposition of the great arteries; ultrasound.