Anencephaly

Anencephaly is a condition characterized by an open defect in the cranial vault and corresponding skin, with absence or loss of brain tissue and exposure of the cranial neural tube. It is one of the most common congenital malformations and the most severe type of neural tube defect. The fetus primarily presents with absence or partial exposure of brain tissue, absence of the cranial vault, and a frog-like facial appearance with protruding eyeballs and a partially open mouth. It may also be accompanied by varying degrees of spina bifida. The prognosis for this disease is extremely poor, and there is no effective treatment. Affected infants cannot survive, and early induction of labor is recommended upon diagnosis.