Fetal diagnosis and therapy
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Fetal. Diagn. Ther. · Mar 1997
Case ReportsChorioamniotic membrane separation: a potentially lethal finding.
Sonographic detection of chorioamniotic membrane separation (CMS) has been considered a benign incidental finding. We now report 6 cases of CMS identified by prenatal ultrasound; 1 in an otherwise normal pregnancy and 5 following fetal surgery. Following membrane separation, amniotic bands formed and compromised the umbilical cord in 4 cases leading to 2 fetal deaths. ⋯ Following fetal surgery, serial ultrasound evaluation and close fetal monitoring are indicated. In otherwise unremarkable pregnancies, clinician awareness of the possibility of amniotic band formation following CMS should be heightened. In either situation, knowledge of this potential life-threatening complication may identify cases in which cord compromise requires emergent delivery or fetoscopic release of the strangulating amniotic band.