Yanes CM, Mesa SM, Marrero ED

Language: Spanish
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Page: 1-7
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ABSTRACT

Neural tube defects are very frequent in many countries. The term spina bifida is still commonly used as a synonym for spinal dysraphism, although it properly refers to defective fusion of posterior spinal bony elements. Both myelomeningoceles and myeloceles originate from defective closure of the primary neural tube, which are present in most spina bifida cases (85 %). The objective of this article is to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis of congenital malformations by ultrasonography in primary health care. We present a case of prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of open spina bifida at 22 weeks of gestation, with no other ultrasonographic findings. Prior genetic counseling, the couple decided the termination of pregnancy. The case was confirmed by pathology as an open spina bifida with lumbar myelomeningocele.