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Research Journal of Medical Sciences

ISSN: Online 1993-6095
ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Occipital Encephalocele in a 10‐Day‐Old Female Neonate: A Case Report and Review of Management

Harshitha Bunga, Kanchi Lavanya, Sravya Sai Deepika Pandilla, Bobbala Naga Naveen and Marri Boyina Srikanth Yadav
Page: 352-357 | Received 28 Aug 2024, Published online: 18 Sep 2024

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https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.10.352.357

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Abstract

Occipital encephalocele is a rare neural tube defect (NTD) characterized by the herniation of brain tissue through a skull defect, typically in the occipital region. This case report focuses on a 10‐day‐old female neonate presenting with occipital encephalocele, highlighting the importance of prenatal diagnosis, multidisciplinary management and preventive maternal care, particularly folic acid supplementation, in reducing the risk of NTDs. A 10‐day‐old female neonate (Twin 2) born to a mother from Bidar, Karnataka, presented with a sac‐like protrusion from the occipital region of the skull, which was detected during a Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies (TIFFA) scan at five months gestation. The mass progressively increased in size from the time of diagnosis until delivery. The infant was delivered via emergency lower segment cesarean section due to fetal bradycardia, weighed 2.1kg and had no immediate postnatal complications such as vomiting, seizures, or respiratory distress. A thorough physical and neurological examination revealed diminished reflexes and hypotonia. Investigations confirmed the diagnosis of occipital encephalocele, necessitating surgical intervention. The development of occipital encephalocele is associated with maternal risk factors such as folic acid deficiency, antiepileptic drug use and diabetes. Early prenatal detection via ultrasound or maternal serum markers, followed by a multidisciplinary approach to neonatal care, is essential for improving outcomes. Surgical closure of the defect and long‐term monitoring are the mainstays of management. This case underscores the importance of early antenatal detection of neural tube defects and the preventive role of maternal folic acid supplementation. Multidisciplinary management and surgical intervention are crucial in optimizing outcomes for neonates with occipital encephalocele..

How to cite this article:

Harshitha Bunga, Kanchi Lavanya, Sravya Sai Deepika Pandilla, Bobbala Naga Naveen and Marri Boyina Srikanth Yadav. Occipital Encephalocele in a 10‐Day‐Old Female Neonate: A Case Report and Review of Management.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.10.352.357
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.10.352.357