Body stalk anomaly: prenatal diagnosis

Abstract

Body stalk anomaly is a severe body wall defect, with maldevelopment of the hindgut and the presence of a very rudimentary umbilical cord. A case of prenatally-diagnosed body stalk anomaly is presented along with the discussion of the prenatal diagnosis and its management. Autopsy of the fetus showed abnormalities compatible with the maldevelopment of embryonic body folding. Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of body stalk anomaly would permit the early termination of pregnancy or avoidance of surgical intervention.