Ultrasound and MRI appearance and evolution of hydranencephaly in utero: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Hydranencephaly is the total or near-total destruction of the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. The thalami and lower brain centers are typically preserved. This condition is usually preceded by occlusion of the internal carotid arteries, resulting in massive brain infarction.


METHODS
An 18-year-old woman, gravida 1, presented with a 1-day history of heavy vaginal bleeding at 23 weeks' gestation. Initial ultrasound revealed oligohydramnios and retroplacental lucency consistent with placental abruption. A follow-up level II ultrasound revealed abnormal intracerebral architecture. Subsequent ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an evolving case of hydranencephaly. Postdelivery computed tomography verified the prenatal findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound and MRI are useful radiologic studies to confirm the diagnosis of hydranencephaly.
Byers
Benjamin D
BD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (Wilford Hall Medical Center and Darnall Army Community Hospital), San Antonio, Texas, USA. benjamin.byers@sbcglobal.net
Barth
William H
WH
Stewart
Theresa L
TL
Pierce
Brian T
BT
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006832:Hydranencephaly / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal