title: Prenatal diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome - risk factors and ultrasonic signs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to describe our experience with amniotic band syndrome (ABS), define specific sonographic characteristics and common features.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients diagnosed with ABS underwent detailed ultrasound evaluation at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up. Their ultrasound examinations and medical records concerning the current pregnancy and past medical records were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten pregnancies were diagnosed with ABS. Most pregnancies were diagnosed at the beginning of the second trimester. Two cases were bichorionic twin pregnancies involving one of the fetuses and these were the only women who continued their pregnancies to term. The other eight cases with ABS chose to terminate their pregnancies. One pregnancy was conceived following trachelectomy. We found a significantly higher rate of prior uterine surgeries (p = 0.008) in patient with ABS compared to control. In three cases, all above 15 weeks of gestation, a small vestige at the distal part of the amputated limb was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ABS diagnosed in early pregnancy can be a sporadic event. However, there is a higher risk of ABS in pregnancies preceded by uterine procedures. The ultrasonic vestige sign at the amputated limb may contribute to the diagnosis of ABS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center , Tel-Hashomer , Israel .
authors.forename: Eran
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barzilay
authors.forename: Yael
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Harel
authors.forename: Jigal
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Haas
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berkenstadt
authors.forename: Eldad
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Katorza
authors.forename: Reuven
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Achiron
authors.forename: Yinon
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gilboa
mesh_terms: D000652:Amniotic Band Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D059285:Pregnancy, Twin; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*; D014599:Uterus / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Amputation; trachelectomy; twin pregnancy; uterine surgery; vestige