Umbilical cord strangulation by an amniotic band resulting in a stillbirth

Amniotic band syndrome with umbilical cord strangulation is extremely rare and is usually described during second trimester. We present a case of umbilical cord strangulation causing fetal demise in a full-term otherwise healthy fetus.

A 39-year-old gravida 15 para 12 after one previous cesarean section presented with reduced fetal movements at the 41st gestational week. On admission, fetal heart tracing, biophysical profile and oxytocin challenge test were normal. Later, an intrauterine fetal demise was diagnosed. After delivery, an amniotic band causing strangulation of the umbilical cord was observed. The fetus was without apparent anomalies.

Although extremely rare, constriction of the umbilical cord by an amniotic band can cause its strangulation followed by a stillbirth even in full-term otherwise healthy fetus.