Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2011 Mar;54(3):155-158. 10.5468/KJOG.2011.54.3.155.

A case of amniotic band syndrome associated with anencephaly demonstrated using three-dimensional ultrasound at early pregnancy

• Cho HJ
• Kim YM
• Jeon GH
• Chun S
• Jeong CH
• Ji YI

• KMID: 2274031
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/KJOG.2011.54.3.155

Abstract

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is entrapment of fetal parts by disrupted amnion and formation of fibrous amniotic band. As results, it causes a variety of fetal malformation involving the limbs, the craniofacial region and trunk. A visualization of free floating amniotic band is appropriate diagnostic method for ABS. Three dimensional (3D) and four dimensional (4D) ultrasounds are useful to diagnosis ABS. However prenatal diagnosis is difficult especially when they do not circulate a limb or cause single abnormality. In the cases of anencephaly, a differentiation between ABS and primary neural tube defect is important because the recurrence rate is significantly different. We reported a case that a fetal anencephaly with hydrops was diagnosed using prenatal 3D and 4D ultrasound then confirmed as amniotic band syndrome by autopsy at 12 weeks of gestation. After autopsy, we demonstrated amniotic band through 3D ultrasound review.

Keyword

Amniotic band syndrome; Anencephaly; Three-dimensional ultrasound

MeSH Terms

Amnion
Amniotic Band Syndrome
Anencephaly
Autopsy
Edema
Extremities
Infant, Newborn
Neural Tube Defects
Pregnancy
Prenatal Diagnosis
Recurrence

Figure

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  Fig. 1. 3D ultrasound of fetus with acrania. Calvarium is absent and remaining brain tissue shows abnormal contour (white arrow).

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  Fig. 2. (A) Autopsy finding of fetus and placenta. Amniotic membrane is attached to the fetal head. Fetal head and trunk are tilted to the left side. (B) Autopsy finding of fetus and placenta shows that amniotic membrane is attached to the segmented left thumb. (C) The posterior view of fetus with amniotic band.

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  Fig. 3. Amniotic band between fetal head and placenta is demonstrated with review of three-dimensional surface rendering mode (white open arrow).

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