Limb body wall complex in a still born fetus: a case report

Area of Science:

• Embryology
• Developmental Biology
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Limb body wall complex is a severe congenital disorder with variable presentation.
• Etiology of limb body wall complex is often multifactorial, with several theories proposed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of limb body wall complex with unique vascular and limb anomalies.
• To discuss the potential implications of these findings for understanding the pathogenesis of limb body wall complex.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a stillborn fetus.
• Detailed examination of anatomical abnormalities, including vascular and limb structures.

Main Results:

• The fetus presented with limb body wall complex, low birth weight, and 36 weeks gestation.
• A rare finding was the absence of the left subclavian artery and complete absence of the left upper limb.
• These specific anomalies were observed in the propositus.

Conclusions:

• The observed vascular and limb anomalies in this limb body wall complex case lend support to the vascular theory of pathogenesis.
• This case highlights the importance of detailed vascular assessment in limb body wall complex.