Semi Lobar Holoprosencephaly with Vertebral Segmentation Defects

Abstract Holoprosencephaly is the most common embryonic brain defect. Foetuses who survive during intrauterine life are born with varying grades of brain and facial deformities. Extra craniofacial manifestations are common. Vertebral segmentation defects are rarely seen with holoprosencephaly, mainly in association with holoprosencephaly diencephalic hamartoblastoma (HDH) association. A female infant was born at term by normal delivery. Birth head circumference was below the 3rd percentile. Antenatal scan had showed microcephaly as the only abnormality. Physical examination revealed microcephaly, ocular hypotelorism, left ear skin tag and short neck. MRI of the brain showed semilobar holoprosencephaly. Neck radiograph revealed gross vertebral segmentation defect involving cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae. She had initial feeding difficulties. She showed severe global developmental delay and had underlying central diabetes insipidus. Vertebral segmentation defect is rare in holoprosencephaly.