Amniotic Band Syndrome

Abstract

Amniotic band syndrome comprises a group of fetal malformations of varying severity. Malformations may be minor, causing constriction rings in the fetus or major, being incompatible with post-natal life or causing fetal death. In this article we describe a case of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome first detected at 23 weeks gestation. The pregnancy resulted in an intrauterine death at 26 weeks gestation, possibly due to placental abruption as a result of tight amniotic bands attached between the fetal surface of the placenta and the fetal limbs. Post mortem examination of the fetus confirmed placental abruption and amniotic bands.