Study of Craniorachischisis, with Emphasis on Prenatal Diagnosis and Prevention

Introduction: Central nervous system (CNS) malformations account for a sizable proportion of all congenital malformations, second only to cardiac malformations. Failure of fusion of cephalic part of neural tube is known as Exencephaly and caudal part of neural tube is Spina bifida.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of Craniorachischisis, which is characterised by anencephaly and open spina bifida. It was also linked to congenital fissures in the skull and spinal column. This is the most severe form of NTDs, and recent evidence shows that taking folic acid periconceptionally reduces the occurrence of NTDs by 50-70%. Therefore emphasis was based on prenatal diagnosis and prevention.

Methods and Results: The current study includes 1000 live births as well as 100 stillborn foetuses and abortuses in order to better understand Craniorachischisis.The two unclaimed foetuses, one with Craniorachischisis totalis and the other with Craniorachischisis with omphalocele, were sent from the Obstetrics and Gynecology department. There was no information available about the patient's family and obstetric history.

Discussion: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are embryonic induction disorders that result from the failure of mesoderm and neuroectoderm formation. The reduction of 50-70 percent of NTDs after periconceptional folic acid administration prompted a number of authors to conduct a series of clinical studies.

Conclusion: Finally, most NTDs are sporadic, with both genetic and non-genetic environmental factors playing a role in their aetiology.