Spinal cord tethering associated with amniotic band syndrome

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) comprises fetal morphological abnormalities th at may be associated with fibrous amniotic bands that damage developing fet al parts resulting in cutaneous scars, erosions and ulcerations, digital co nstricting bands, craniofacial and visceral anomalies. Multiple asymmetric encephaloceles and anencephaly are neural-tube-like defects previously repo rted with ABS. This is the first report of spinal dysraphism with dorsal sp inal cord tethering associated with ABS. We examine the pathogenetic theori es of ABS in light of this report. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.