title: Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Intrauterine Fetal Decapitation Secondary to Amniotic Band Sequence: A Case Report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Amniotic band sequence (ABS) is a rare disorder that can result in a wide spectrum of congenital craniofacial, limb, trunk, and viscera deformities. One of the more rare manifestations of ABS is intrauterine fetal decapitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  This case report presents the ultrasonographic diagnosis of first-trimester intrauterine fetal demise resulting from decapitation secondary to amniotic band sequence. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case report presents a rare and atypical presentation of intrauterine demise valuable for an emergency physician to recognize while performing or reviewing pelvic ultrasounds. It is important for the clinician to understand and counsel the patient that subsequent pregnancies will not be at increased risk due to a prior miscarriage from ABS, as opposed to other etiologies of first-trimester spontaneous abortion.
authors.affiliation: Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Proffitt
authors.affiliation: Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware.
authors.forename: Morganne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.affiliation: Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: DeMauro
authors.affiliation: Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware.
authors.forename: Kris
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Conde
authors.affiliation: Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Powell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000652:Amniotic Band Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D049248:Decapitation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D050497:Stillbirth; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
keywords: amniotic band; decapitation; intrauterine; ultrasound