Antenatal sonographic appearance of a large orbital encephalocele: a case report and differential diagnosis of orbital cystic mass

J Clin Ultrasound. 2013 Jun;41(5):327-31. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22019. Epub 2012 Dec 1.

Abstract

Orbital meningoceles and encephaloceles are rare extracranial extensions of the brain and meninges with or without direct communication between the central nervous system and the abnormal mass. We reported a rare case of large fetal orbital encephalocele; the diagnosis was suspected initially by prenatal ultrasound and confirmed by postnatal MRI and CT scans. The differential diagnosis of an intrauterine fetal cystic orbital mass includes orbital teratoma, epidermoid inclusion cysts, hemangioma or lymphangioma, congenital cystic eye, dacryocystocele, and orbital cephalocele.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Encephalocele / diagnostic imaging*
  • Encephalocele / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Orbital Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Orbital Diseases / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*