Pediatric neurosurgical implications of the amniotic band disruption complex. Case reports and review of the literature.

Defects caused by the amniotic band disruption complex (ABDC) may vary from simple malformations caused by digital constriction to major scalp, craniofacial, and visceral malformations. ABDC may cause 7-14% of stillbirths. The etiology is unclear, but the most commonly accepted mechanism involves rupture of the amnion followed by fetal malformation, deformation, and compression. This mechanism does not adequately explain all anomalies such as hydrocephalus and holoprosencephaly that are seen in the ABDC. The use of prenatal ultrasound has allowed the diagnosis of the ABDC in utero. Since 1980, four children with the ABDC who required neurosurgical intervention were seen at the University of California, San Francisco; the presentation and subsequent surgical treatment of 2 of these children are discussed. A combined craniofacial team approach to the management of these children can maximize reconstructive and neurologic outcome.