title: Prolonged survival in hydranencephaly: a case report.
abstract: Individuals with hydranencephaly, a congenital deformity resulting in a virtual absence of cerebral hemispheres, generally do not survive past infancy. Two published cases report survival past the age of 10. We report the oldest known survivor at 20 years, 6 months and compare the behavioral and anatomical characteristics of these three cases. Finally, this condition is discussed in regards to the concept and implications of minimally conscious state (MCS).
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006832:Hydranencephaly / Q000401:mortality*; D008017:Life Expectancy