Iniencephaly: A Challenging Prenatal Diagnosis of a Neural Tube Defect

Abstract

Iniencephaly is a rare malformation of the base of the cranium, with an almost always fatal prognosis. This condition is part of the category of defects related to neural tube closure. Prenatal diagnosis can now be performed through ultrasound evaluation, allowing timely counseling. We present the case of a woman for whom an ultrasound diagnosis of iniencephaly at 13 weeks of gestation enabled early termination of the pregnancy.

Keywords: early prenatal ultrasound; iniencephaly; neural tube defects; prenatal diagnosis; rachischisis.