Malformations and anomalies

Malformations of the central nervous system are very common, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 births.

Neural tube defects, NTD

Neural tube defects are due to failures during the closure of the neural tube, or to a defect in the tissue surrounding the brain. They can occur in the spinal cord or in the brain. They are also called dysraphias because of the incomplete closure. Spina bifida aperta and anencephaly in particular can be detected during pregnancy through prenatal screening (ultrasound, amniocentesis with determination of alpha-fetoprotein).