[Amniotic band syndrome and facial malformations]

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a collection of fetal congenital malformations affecting mainly the limbs, but also the craniofacial area. The pathogenic mechanism is still unclear. The facial malformations in ABS are multiple, polymorphous, and asymmetric. The type and extent of facial defects depend on band location and time of onset. Defects may include a combination of facial cleft, cleft palate and lip, ocular lesions, and cranial malformations. The management of this disease must be multidisciplinary and the outcome depends on the gravity of malformations.