Amniotic band facies

Abstract

Craniofacial deformities of 14 patients with amniotic band syndrome at one institution were reviewed for morphologic similarities. In addition to associated cleft lip and palate, vertical and oblique facial clefts, which were not associated with embryologic lines of fusion, were seen. It is hypothesized that the prominence of the nasal processes combined with the adjacent stomodeal orifice results in utero surfaces, which can lead to free band attachment and adherence, resulting in a spectrum of similarly oriented facial defects.