[Disorders of brain development in embryos obtained from mothers who abused alcohol].

Nineteen 5 to 12-weeks-old embryos from women abusing alcohol during pregnancy (alcoholism, habitual drinking) were studied. In 15 (79%) the brain development disorders were detected. Most frequently concerned were the brain hemispheres. Defective development signs were also noted in the midbrain, choroidal plexus and diencephalon. Microdysplasias were found in different brain regions. In one case embryonal signs of the capsula interna, nucleus caudatus, putamen, epiphysis cerebri, habenular nuclei, chiasma, optical tracts were absent. Six groups presenting most typical deviations were identified. The degree of embryonal brain disorders correlated with its mother's alcohol abuse severity.