Antenatal diagnosis and management of an encephalocele in Jamaica

Abstract

Introduction: Encephalocele is a rare fetal anomaly associated with neurodevelopmental morbidity, especially in developing countries where management resources are limited. Case Report: Here, we present a case of antenatal diagnosis of an occipital encephalocele in a 25-year-old multigravida. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were used throughout the second and third trimesters to guide delivery and plan postnatal repair. A multidisciplinary approach to care, involving maternal–fetal medicine, radiology, neonatology, and neurosurgery specialties, was undertaken from mid-gestation. This multiteam approach afforded predelivery planning that resulted in an uneventful cesarean delivery and surgical correction of the encephalocele within 24 hours of extrauterine life. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that even in the absence of advanced resources for fetal interventions, successful outcomes can be achieved with early diagnosis, a multiteam approach to care and predelivery planning.