Dept.of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ospedale San Giuseppe,AUSL 11 Valdelsa-Valdarno,50053
Empoli (Firenze),Italy
This is a 25-year-old mother, G2P0A1. Plasma maternal alpha-fetoprotein at 17 weeks was 165 u/mL. Ultrasonographic examination performed at 17 weeks showed a large open rachischisis. Termination ocurred at 17 weeks 2 days. The external observation and autopsy of the fetus confirmed the ultrasonographic diagnosis. No others external anomalies were visible.
Axial sections of the lumbar spine: