Body wall defects and amniotic band syndrome in pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Developmental Biology
• Congenital Malformations

Background:

• Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a congenital disorder caused by fibrous bands disrupting fetal development in utero.
• It leads to various deformations, malformations, and disruptions of fetal parts.
• Understanding ABS is crucial for diagnosing and managing congenital anomalies.

Observation:

• A female piglet presented with amniotic band adherences on the right abdominal flank.
• Multiple congenital anomalies were observed, including gastroschisis, abdominoschisis with omphalocele, severe scoliosis, and anal atresia.
• Additional findings included an anomalous umbilical cord with a single umbilical artery, abnormal liver structure, absent gall bladder, hypoplastic genitalia, pelvic limb ankylosis and arthrogryposis, and bilateral patellar agenesis.

Findings:

• The piglet exhibited a complex spectrum of malformations consistent with severe amniotic band syndrome.
• The observed anomalies demonstrate the teratogenic potential of intra-uterine constrictions.
• This case provides a detailed phenotypic description of ABS in a porcine model.

Implications:

• This case offers insights into the comparative embryopathology of amniotic band syndrome.
• It underscores the utility of animal models for studying human congenital disorders.
• Further research can elucidate the specific ethiopathogenic mechanisms and embryological basis of ABS.