INIENCEPHALY - SONOGRAPHIC-PATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION OF 19 CASES

During a four year period (1991-1994), 19 cases of iniencephaly were e valuated at our institution. Associated cranial malformations include anencephaly in 15 (79%), and posterior encephalocele in 5 (26.3%) of t he cases. Other associated malformations include diaphragmatic defects with a accompanying hernia, omphalocele, gastrointestinal malformatio ns, cardiovascular and genitourinary malformations, single nostril, fa cial cleft, spina bifida, hypoplastic lungs, club foot and single umbi lical artery. No single causative agent for this group was identified. A brief review of the literature is included regarding categorization of these malformations and also a discussion of the embryological bas is for these lesions and possible etiological factors.