The amniotic adhesion malformation complex associated with short or absent umbilical cord.

The spectrum of amniotic adhesion malformations can include body wall defects, cranial abnormalities and amputation of limbs. Its greatly varying pattern renders diagnosis difficult. Pathogenesis has been ascribed to rupture of amnion in early gestation with subsequent entanglement of fetal parts (Torpin R, Am J Obstet Gynecol 1965;91:65-75 and in Fetal malformation caused by amnion rupture during gestation, Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 1968). Eight cases belonging to the amniotic adhesion malformation complex which occurred within a 7 months period were seen in our department. This malformation complex is not infrequently observed; however, this clustering of cases is exceptional. A common feature in all subjects was an either missing or significantly shortened umbilical cord, whereas amniotic bands could only be identified in two fetuses.