PMC4756176_01
(a) Sagittal view fetal MRI demonstrating the absence of the calvarium with large mass of brain tissues hanging outside of the skull base and an incomplete layer of vascular epithelium covering the deformed brain. (b) Coronal view fetal MRI showing the intact skull base with normal appearing orbits and nasal cavity. (c) Sagittal view fetal MRI depicting the absence of the calvarium but intact orbits and skull base. The spine is normal without evidence of myelomeningocele. (d) Coronal view fetal MRI demonstrating exencephaly with grossly intact body organs.
CRIRA2016-9801267.001.jpg
PMC4756176_01_CRIRA2016-9801267.001.jpg
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The brain tissues including the brain stem and cerebellum were enlarged, deformed, and protruded out through a defect above the skull base (Figure 1(a)). There was an incomplete membranous structure covering the brain tissue (Figure 1(a)). The skull base and the face had developed normally with normal appearing eyes, nose, and mouth (Figure 1(b)). There was no evidence of myelomeningocele or other types of spinal dysraphism or segmental abnormalities (Figures 1(c) and 1(d)).