Anencephaly and its associated malformations.
BACKGROUND
Anencephaly is a serious neural tube defect in which parts of the brain and skull are not developed. But apart from this it is also associated with other malformations which are not related to neural tube in development.


OBJECTIVE
The present study was undertaken to find the associated congenital malformations in western region of India and establish a aetiological correlation.


METHODS
The study was conducted using 20 anencephalic fetuses.


RESULTS
Nearly 80% of fetuses had associated malformations. Spina bifida was seen in 9 fetuses and cleft palate in 8. Female fetus with cleft palate had other severe associated gastrointestinal and skeletal malformation.


CONCLUSIONS
In cases of anencephaly other associated malfor-mations like spina bifida and cleft palate are commonly seen.
Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, L.T.Medical College & General Hospital , College Building, 3rd Floor, LTMMC & GH, Sion Hospital, Sion, Mumbai, India .
Ravikiran Ashok
RA
Gole
Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, L.T.Medical College & General Hospital , College Building, 3rd Floor, LTMMC & GH, Sion Hospital, Sion, Mumbai, India .
Pritee Madan
PM
Meshram
Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, L.T.Medical College & General Hospital , College Building, 3rd Floor, LTMMC & GH, Sion Hospital, Sion, Mumbai, India .
Shanta Sunil
SS
Hattangdi
Anencephaly; Cleft palate; Clubbed foot; Spina bifida