Intrauterine correction of fetal myelomeningocele: case report

Authors

  • Thais de Oliveira Hara Hospital Universitário São Francisco na Providência de Deus (HUSF), Bragança Paulista – SP
  • Attilio Brisighelli Neto Hospital Universitário São Francisco na Providência de Deus (HUSF), Bragança Paulista – SP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37497/JMRReview.v3i00.72

Keywords:

Myelomeningocele, Intrauterine correction, Myelomeningocele correction, Obstetrics

Abstract

Background: Myelomeningocele is the most common congenital defect involving the spinal cord, characterized by the projection of the spinal cord and meninges through a defect in the fetus' vertebral column. It results from a failure of the neural tube to close in the first weeks of fetal life, during an embryonic phase called primary neurulation. It is considered a non-lethal malformation that occurs in approximately 1/1,500 live newborns in the United States and affects around 1.4 to 2.4 newborns per 10,000 in Brazil. It causes a great deal of morbidity throughout life, including cognitive and respiratory impairments, varying degrees of motor impairment, skeletal deformities, bladder and fecal incontinence, as well as hydrocephalus secondary to herniation of the brainstem through the foramen magnum (Arnold-Chiari syndrome type II), due to obstruction of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the fourth ventricle, often requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunts for cerebral decompression.

Aim: To report a unique case seen in our department.

Method: Case report of a patient seen at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Hospital Universitário São Francisco na Providência de Deus - HUSF, located in Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.

Case Report: This was a 32-year-old primigravida patient who underwent intrauterine correction of a fetal myelomeningocele by fetoscopy using the SAFER technique at 26 weeks. The surgery was uneventful and the patient continued with prenatal care. Cesarean section was performed after premature rupture of the membranes, resulting in a healthy newborn with a good prognosis.

Conclusion: Intrauterine correction of fetal myelomeningocele using the SAFER technique proved to be a safe and effective approach, providing a good neonatal prognosis. The newborn showed adequate healing and development without significant complications. The case highlights the importance of fetal surgery to reduce comorbidities and improve the quality of life of patients with myelomeningocele.

Author Biographies

Thais de Oliveira Hara, Hospital Universitário São Francisco na Providência de Deus (HUSF), Bragança Paulista – SP

Serviço de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. Hospital Universitário São Francisco na Providência de Deus (HUSF), Bragança Paulista – SP

Attilio Brisighelli Neto, Hospital Universitário São Francisco na Providência de Deus (HUSF), Bragança Paulista – SP

Serviço de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. Hospital Universitário São Francisco na Providência de Deus (HUSF), Bragança Paulista – SP

References

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Published

2024-11-14

How to Cite

Hara, T. de O., & Brisighelli Neto, A. (2024). Intrauterine correction of fetal myelomeningocele: case report. Journal of Medical Residency Review, 3(00), e072. https://doi.org/10.37497/JMRReview.v3i00.72

Issue

Section

Relato de caso