Amniotic Band Syndrome

Excerpt

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) comprises various congenital anomalies, which include disruption, deformation, and malformations of organs that were intended to develop normally. Amniotic band syndrome should be called a sequence rather than a syndrome because the pattern of anomalies in ABS are related to an insult that can result from multiple etiologies, whereas a syndrome refers to patterns of congenital anomalies that are known to result from single etiology (e.g., Turner syndrome is due to XO chromosomal anomaly). Likewise, ABS has many names: amnion rupture sequence, ADAM complex (amniotic deformities/adhesions/mutilations), amniotic band disruption complex, congenital constricting bands, terminal transverse defects, and Streeter anomaly.