Amniotic band syndrome with sacral agenesis and umbilical cord entrapment: A case report emphasizing the value of evaluation of umbilical cord

Abstract

Amniotic band syndrome is a rare congenital disorder caused by entrapment of fetal parts by fibrous amniotic bands in utero. The congenital anomalies seen in this syndrome vary widely and defects may be isolated or multiple and do not follow a specific pattern. Asymmetric distribution of defects is the hallmark of this syndrome. The diagnosis is difficult to make on ultrasound and relies on identification of amniotic bands. We report a case of amniotic band syndrome with sacral agenesis diagnosed on routine antenatal ultrasound scan in the second offspring of a recently diagnosed diabetic mother. The associated features were entrapment of umbilical cord, caudal adhesions and lower limb anomalies. Medical termination of pregnancy was done and all the fetal anomalies as well as umbilical cord abnormalities were confirmed. The importance of meticulous scanning to evaluate for amniotic bands and the umbilical cord in addition to the fetal structures is emphasized.