Acrania

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Acrania

Acrania (/æˈkreɪniə/; from Greek a- meaning "without", and kranion meaning "skull") is a rare congenital disorder that occurs in the human fetus. In this condition, the flat bones in the cranial vault are either completely absent or highly reduced, while the facial and base of skull bones are relatively intact.

Definition

Acrania is a severe form of neural tube defect, characterized by the absence of the flat bones of the cranial vault. The brain is completely or partially unprotected by bone, often leading to a condition known as anencephaly.

Causes

The exact cause of Acrania is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some studies suggest a deficiency in folic acid during pregnancy may increase the risk.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Acrania is the absence of the cranial vault at birth. Other symptoms may include a bulging forehead, abnormal eye development, and other physical abnormalities.

Diagnosis

Acrania can often be diagnosed during pregnancy through an ultrasound examination. Other diagnostic tests may include MRI and genetic testing.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for Acrania. Treatment is supportive and focuses on managing symptoms. This may include surgery to protect the brain, although the prognosis is generally poor.

Prognosis

The prognosis for infants born with Acrania is extremely poor. Most infants do not survive beyond a few hours or days after birth.

See also

External links

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