Amniotic band syndrome: report of two autopsy cases

The amniotic band syndrome is a collection of congenital deformities presumably due to rupture of amniotic sac. It appears to cause fetal injury through three basic mechanisms including malformation, disruption, and deformation. The associated anomalies vary from minor digital defect to major craniofacial and visceral defects. They can be categorized as neural tube-like defects, craniofacial anomalies, limb anomalies, abdominal and thoracic wall defects, visceral anomalies, and constriction bands. We present two autopsy cases and discuss the diagnostic features. Our findings support Torpin's theory that the fibrous constriction bands generated from early rupture of the amnion. An accurate diagnosis may be achieved by looking for the major features of amniotic band syndrome and a routine chromosome study and placental examination in cases with multiple congenital deformities.