Meltem Ugras, Ozgur Kavak, Faruk Alpay, Selim Karabekir H and Suat Bicer
Background: Encephaloceles result from failure of the surface ectoderm to separate from the neuroectoderm. We aimed to review the data of cases with occipital encephalocele.
Case report: Patient records were reviewed retrospectively for encephalocele. The clinical, radiological and surgical data were evaluated. Five female newborns with occipital encephaloceles were included. All but one mother was over-aged; none consumed folic acid regularly during pregnancy. All were within normal ranges for weight and height, only two had microcephaly The size of occipital encephalocele varied between 7cmx6cm and 28cmx20cm. The encephaloceles were resected surgically and ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed to all cases. One patient died early after surgery due to respiratory problems. Other cases were followedup regularly; all have motor retardation and feeding difficulty are attending to physical rehabilitation programmes.
Conclusion: Prenatally diagnosed occipital encephaloceles resulted in severe morbidity. Close multidisciplinary follow-up is necessary. Folic acid consumption should be encouraged.
