Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Intrauterine Fetal Decapitation Secondary to Amniotic Band Sequence: A Case Report

A Case Study of a 12‐Week Pregnancy With a Single Live Decapitated Fetus

“…Because of the sporadic occurrence of amniotic band syndrome, subsequent pregnancies are not at an increased risk . Cases diagnosed as amniotic band syndrome but without actual evidence of bands are not uncommon, as the sequelae of the fetal malformations are usually the ultrasound findings leading to the diagnosis . Visualization of amniotic bands without concurrent evidence of fetal abnormalities should not lead to the principal diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome, as membranes may be noted in normal pregnancies .…”

“…Very few cases of fetal decapitation have been documented in the literature, with all attributing the cause as amniotic band syndrome . Two of these cases noted fetal heart motion well into the 14th and 15th gestational weeks, despite the fetal heads being severed at week 10, a finding that we attribute to persistent intrinsic innervation of the fetal myocytes.…”

“…Amniotic band syndrome is a spectrum of fetal malformations that result from amniotic bands that adhere to, or entrap, various parts of the fetus in utero . The spectrum of findings seen with amniotic band syndrome is principally determined by the gestational age at which entanglement occurs, with a date of insult typically ranging from 6 to 18 weeks' gestation . Although the underlying cause of amniotic bands remains unclear, affected fetuses share similar disruption pathways, typically showing a broad range of manifestations.…”

Abnormal ultrasound appearance of the amniotic membranes – diagnostic and significance: a pictorial essay

“…Torpin et al [12] explained that the rupture of the amnion determine entanglement of various embryonic or fetal parts by fibrous mesodermic bands that results from the chorionic side of the amnion, causing lymphedema, amputation or slash defects, whose location is not genetically determined [12]. Proffitt et al [13] published a case report in which the diagnosis of first-trimester intrauterine fetal demise resulting from decapitation secondary to amniotic band sequence was presented.…”

Congenital Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus: A Case of Prenatal Diagnosis

“…1 The spectrum of findings seen with amniotic band syndrome is principally determined by the gestational age at which entanglement occurs, with a date of insult typically ranging from 6 to 18 weeks' gestation. 1,2 Although the underlying cause of amniotic bands remains unclear, affected fetuses share similar disruption pathways, typically showing a broad range of manifestations. Common findings include constriction rings around the digits, lymphedema distal to the level of band constriction, amputation of extremities or digits, clubfeet, clubhands, multiple joint contractures, chest or abdominal wall defects, microphthalmos, ocular abnormalities, and facial clefts.…”