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ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Anencephaly
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Alternative Names:
Aprosencephaly with open cranium
Symptoms:
In the mother:
  • If there is too much fluid is in the uterus, this often suggests a problem with the pregnancy. This condition, called polyhydramnios, is seen before birth.
In the infant:
  • Absence of the skull
  • Absence of the brain (cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum)
  • Facial feature abnormalities
  • Heart defects
Signs and tests:
The following tests can help identify anencephaly:
  • Prepregnancy serum folic acid test
  • Amniocentesis (done on the mother to determine if increased levels of alpha-fetoprotein are present)
  • Elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels during pregnancy (increased levels suggest a neural tube defect)
  • Urine estriol levels during pregnancy
  • Ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis
Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain
Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain
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