Anencephaly: its spectrum and relationship to neural tube defects.

ABSTRACT

Anencephaly patients are of renewed interest because they are regarded as a potential source of organ donation. While there has been a longstanding scientific curiosity on this subject, studies have frequently included such cases as part of the larger spectrum of neural tube defects (NTDs). This paper will discuss some unusual features of anencephaly. Following a review of classification and pathogenesis, associated malformations, growth parameters (organ size and anthropometric measurements), and associations with other entities are discussed. Finally, the relationship of anencephaly to NTDs is presented.