[Ultrasonographic diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome in pregnancy]

The amniotic band syndrome comprises a heterogenous group of congenital deformities which originate from rupture of the amnion during the early stages of fetal development. The diagnosis of the syndrome in the newborn is difficult because of the wide spectrum of anomalies, and its resemblance to other genetic or developmental deformities. The prenatal diagnosis of the syndrome is possible when there is ultrasonographic demonstration of multiple, nonembryological anomalies, with or without visualization of amniotic bands floating in the amniotic fluid. We recently diagnosed prenatally 3 fetuses affected by this condition. 2 were members of different twin pregnancies who presented with severe multiple malformations, and the other was a singleton with a big facial cleft and Pierre-Robin syndrome.