Amniotic rupture sequence: report of five cases.

Amniotic rupture sequence or amniotic band syndrome is a rare, non-recurrent disease complex. We preferred the former term because its wide spectra of fetal malformation appear to depend on the timing and the consequent changes following a single event of amniotic rupture. However, the exact etiology and pathogenesis still remain obscure; and the disease is often mis- or under-diagnosed, thus leading to inappropriate genetic counselling. Prenatal diagnosis is sometimes possible with the aid of ultrasound. We reported our experience of 5 cases of amniotic rupture sequence with special emphasis on different clinical pictures, possible pathogenesis and pathologic findings. Hopefully this will aid in the recognition of this disorder, thus offer appropriate genetic counselling to the patients.