Amniotic band syndrome- A rare case report

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a rare condition in which there is entrapment of the growing foetus or its organs by the band of tissue formed from the amniotic membrane. We received 20 weeks’ gestation-old female foetus for pathological examination. On external gross examination foetus was detected with only the thumb in the right hand with the absence of the remaining four fingers. On thorough examination there was membranous structure attached to the right hand running towards the right leg and partly attached to the toes. This on microscopy showed fibrosis.  ABS is a rare syndrome with varied presentations which sometimes can endanger the life of the foetus. Though exact aetiology is unknown till date various risk factors are attributed to the condition.