Recurrent Anencephaly in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of Risk Factors and Management

Abstract

Anencephaly is a severe, lethal, neural tube defect characterized by the partial or total absence of the brain and calvarium, with a 100% mortality rate either in utero or shortly after birth. It occurs when anterior neuropore fails to close between 23-26 days post- conception. The condition can be diagnosed early in pregnancy, usually between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy, by ultrasound identifying the lack of cranial ossification and failure to measure the biparietal diameter and also by detection through maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. Here we report a case of women with recurrent Anencephaly in two pregnancies which was terminated. This emphasize that early diagnosis is essential for effective management and counselling, particularly because of the high likelihood of pregnancy termination due to the fatal prognosis.