# Cryptophthalmia, microphthalmia, oronasal malformation, and hydrocephalus in an aborted equine fetus with umbilical torsion in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

## TL;DR

This paper describes rare facial and brain abnormalities in an aborted horse fetus from Brazil, possibly caused by umbilical cord torsion.

## Contribution

The first use of computer tomography to characterize fetal congenital malformations in equine fetuses is reported.

## Key findings

- Cryptophthalmia, microphthalmia, oronasal malformation, and hydrocephalus were identified in an aborted equine fetus.
- Umbilical cord torsion was associated with compromised maternal-fetal blood flow and fetal malformation.
- The combination of these malformations and umbilical torsion is exceptionally rare in equine fetuses.

## Abstract

Facial abnormalities and brain defects in aborted equine fetuses are rarely reported, and the causes that predispose the occurrence of this condition are difficult to identify. This work reports the morphological and tomographic findings of a case of cryptophthalmia, microphthalmia, oronasal malformation, and hydrocephalus in an aborted equine fetus with umbilical cord torsion in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, from a primiparous Quarter Horse female, with 7 months of gestational age. The occurrence of miscarriage was associated with compromised maternal-fetal blood flow due to umbilical cord torsion concomitant with fetal malformation. The congenital defects described in this report occurred sporadically, and it was not possible to determine the cause. The concurrent presentation of congenital malformations and umbilical torsion in equine fetuses is exceptionally rare, and this report includes the first description of the use of computer tomography for the characterization of fetal congenital malformation.