Progression of exencephaly to anencephaly in the human fetus--an ultrasound perspective.
Exencephaly as a precursor of anencephaly is well delineated in animal studies. In humans, a similar though unproven embryologic sequence is postulated. In the case reported, serial ultrasound studies allowed us to identify a 16-week human exencephalic fetus and observe the cephalic changes during its progression to a classic anencephalic appearance.
Wilkins-Haug
L
L
Denver General Hospital, CO 80204.
Freedman
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000757:Anencephaly / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000002:abnormalities*; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D006801:Humans; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012886:Skull / Q000002:abnormalities; D014463:Ultrasonography