Amniochorionic bands and adhesions with fetal deformities

The amniochorionic bands and adhesions in 2 malformed human fetuses are described. The anencephaly, left harelip with grossly distorted face, and rudimentary right upper limb of case 1, and multiple pits and cavities in the liver of case 2, are directly attributable to membranous adhesions. The toughness of the bands is indicative of their mesoblastic (chorionic) origin. The histolytic effect on the liver of case 2 may suggest a contact with the trophoblastic cells. The exomphalos of case 1, and extroversion of cloaca with other caudal defects of case 2, are possibly due to vascular and mesodermal deficits imposed by single umbilical artery.