Am J Perinatol 2003; 20(6): 293-296
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42692
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Antenatal Imaging of a Near-Term Fetus with Primary Acalvaria

Peter Raupp1 , Michael Nork2 , Inge Kappel3
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
  • 2Department of Radiology, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
  • 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 October 2003 (online)

ABSTRACT

We report a near-term fetus with primary acalvaria, an extremely rare malformation characterized by the complete absence of the membranous neurocranium. Sonographic findings were considered consistent with this condition, which was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Spontaneous vaginal delivery resulted in a fresh stillbirth, with an intact cranial sac.

REFERENCES

  • 1 Harris C P, Townsend J J, Carey J C. Acalvaria: a unique congenital anomaly.  Am J Genet . 1993;  46 694-699
  • 2 Chandran S, Lim M K, Yu V Y. Fetal acalvaria with amniotic band syndrome.  Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed . 2000;  82 F11-F13
  • 3 Moore K, Kapur R P, Siebert J R, Atkinson W, Winter T. Acalvaria and hydrocephalus: a case report and discussion of the literature.  J Ultrasound Med . 1999;  18 783-787
  • 4 Barr M, Cohen M. ACE inhibitor fetopathy and hypocalvaria: the kidney-skull connection.  Teratology . 1991;  44 485-495
    >