KEY CONCEPTS

Cranial dysraphisms range in severity from minimally symptomatic dermal sinus tracts to large encephaloceles.
The overall incidence of encephaloceles is declining, possibly due to dietary folate supplementation.
Encephaloceles can occur in various sites and exhibit variation in size, shape, and contents.
Prenatal diagnosis of encephaloceles is common, typically confirmed by elevated α-fetoprotein levels and ultrasound.
Surgical repair of extreme herniation may not provide significant benefits and requires counseling and consultation.
Surgical treatment aims to reduce herniation, preserve viable brain, and reconstruct craniofacial defects.
Prognosis varies based on factors specific to the location and anatomy of the encephalocele.
Cranial meningoceles can occur in diverse locations, and complete excision with primary dural closure leads to a good prognosis.
Dermal sinus tracts present as cutaneous dimples and are often associated with a cyst. Total en bloc resection is the management goal.
Complete resections of dermal sinus tracts have a favorable prognosis and low recurrence rates.

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