title: Comprehensive developmental mechanisms in gastroschisis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The development of gastroschisis remains an area of controversy. Various theories have been proposed, but none has ever been supported by a thorough embryological study.
  
  
  METHODS
  We herein report anatomical and microscopic observations of the developing abdominal wall and cord of embryos and fetuses, along with clinical features of gastroschisis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It appears that the developing cord normally has two parts, a firm left-sided part formed by the vessels and urachus, and a thin right-sided pouch covering the intestinal loops (the 'physiological umbilical hernia'), which could rupture, giving the basis of gastroschisis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gastroschisis could be the result of amniotic damage, possibly from some as yet unidentified toxin. Further bowel damage can be explained by the subsequent mesenteric injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Morphogenesis, Institut d'Anatomie des Saints Pères, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bargy
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Beaudoin
mesh_terms: D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000196:embryology* / Q000473:pathology; D047108:Embryonic Development; D047109:Fetal Development; D020139:Gastroschisis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000196:embryology* / Q000473:pathology