Acute and Critical Care

Case Report

Pediatrics
Hydranencephaly in a newborn due to occupational toluene exposure during pregnancy: a case report: Banu Aydın, Edin Botan, Bülent Gülensoy, Seda Akyol; Received August 9, 2021 Accepted January 30, 2022 Published online July 15, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.01081 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF: The etiopathogenesis of hydranencephaly remains unclear; however, exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy likely increases hydranencephaly risk. Head computed tomography (CT) was performed in a neonate 9 hours post-delivery because the anterior fontanelle was large and there were clinical signs of encephalopathy. Head CT revealed a lack of both cerebral hemispheres and significant cystic enlargement, while the cerebellar hemispheres and pons were found to have developed normally. History-taking revealed that the mother worked in the automotive industry, specifically in the car paint cleaning business and was exposed to toluene during the pregnancy. The patient was diagnosed with hydranencephaly, central diabetes insipidus and central hypothyroidism. Due to the increased head circumference and tense anterior fontanelle, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. Toluene exposure during pregnancy should be considered among the causes of hydranencephaly. Furthermore, central diabetes insipidus and central hypothyroidism may develop in such cases.

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