Hemihydranencephaly of Premature Infant - Case Report

Hydranencephaly represents a rare anomaly of the central nervous system and is characterized by the parenchymal absence which is replaced with a membranous sac filled with cerebrospinal liquid, glial tissue and ependyma. When it is manifested as hemihydranencephaly, the patient’s prognosis is better. We presented a case of a premature infant with hemihydranencephaly in twin pregnancy that had a fatal outcome. A premature infant in a controlled pregnancy was delivered at 31 weeks of gestational age. The mother of the newborn was hospitalized in the Clinic for Infective Diseases since she had tested positive for SARS-Covid- 19. Following an urgent Caesarean section, the newborn was tested for Covid 19 using the rapid antigen and PCR test and the results were negative. In the delivery room, the tactile stimulation, aspiration, positive pressure ventilation of the infant were applied, after which it was intubated. After the intubation, a manual heart massage was performed, after which the cardiac activity and agonal breathing movements were detected.” Three hours later, cardiorespiratory arrest happened, following unsuccessful resuscitation. The other twin was born with no anomalies, but showed signs of respiratory distress syndrome. Autopsy revealed that there was a thin-walled cavity filled with clear, yellowish liquid in the right hemisphere. Documenting cases of newborns with hydranencephaly is of a great importance for counseling parents regarding length of survival, successful management of pregnancy, and performance of prenatal diagnostic procedures.