Occipital Meningocele: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Neural tube formation during embryonic life occurs throughout the intrauterine period. Many external and internal factors can cause neural tube defects (NTD). Broad classification of NTD divides the whole group into "Open" or "Closed" NTDs. In open NTDs, primary neurulation is disrupted and may form anencephaly, myelomeningocele (open spina bifida), and craniorachischisisis. A Neural lesion covered by skin forms a closed NTD develops, e.g., meningocele and spina bifida occulta. Case report: Present case 19+2 weeks male fetus, sent for autopsy from Obst & Gynecology depart to Anatomy department of Government Medical College, Chandigarh. The reason for MTP was diagnoses made on USG as occipital Meningocele. The mother was 26 years old with P1A1 obstetrical history. Advised termination of pregnancy. Past, parental, parental history was not suggestive of any causative factor. Findings: A small meningocele in the occipital region was seen on external examination. After the autopsy, no other associated anomaly was found except an incomplete fissure in the left lung. The meningocele showed herniation of the meninges; no brain tissue was found in the meningocele. On opening the cranial cavity, pachygyria in the cerebral hemispheres were seen. Conclusion: The present case was classified as Tectocerebellar Dysraphia with occipital encephalocele, as the fetus had pachygyria in the cerebral hemispheres. We could not find any suggestive cause of this defect. KEY WORDS: Meningocele, Encephalocele, NTD, Occipital.