Antenatal Sonographic Diagnosis of the Amniotic Band Syndrome

Jung, Nak Woon; Won, Hye Sung; Chu, Hyung Sik; Lee, Sang Soo; Lee, Pyl Ryang; Lee, In Sik; Kim, Ahm; Mok, Jung Eun

Abstract

The amniotic band syndrome is a collection of fetal malformations caused by fibrous bands that appear to entangle or entrap various parts of fetus in utero, leading to deformation, malformation, or disruption involving the limbs, craniofacial region and trunk. The incidence of this syndrome is relatively rare. This syndrome often shows irreversible serious outcome. So, early diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome is important. Ultrasonography enables us to detect the amniotic band syndrome prenatally. In the second and third trimester of the pregnancy, it is relatively easy to detect major anomalies of amniotic band syndrome by its characteristic features, including amputation and/or constriction of the extremities, facial clefts, asymmetric encephaloceles and gastroschisis. Five cases of amniotic band syndrome which have been diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography are discussed. The diagnosis was based on sonographic visualization of amniotic band and associated fetal deformation, malformations or disruption known to characterize the amniotic band syndrome.