We examined a 20-year-old primigravida by ultrasound at 21 weeks of
gestation during routine anomaly scanning. Several fetal deformities
were demonstrated: the upper part of the body was in the amniotic
cavity, while the lower part was in the celomic cavity. A large
abdominal wall defect was detected with herniation of the liver and the
intestine. The limbs were deformed, the spine had severe kyphoscoliosis,
and the umbilical cord was very short. These findings were suggestive of
a body stalk anomaly. Termination of the pregnancy was offered and
decided by the parents. The pathology report confirmed the
ultrasonographic diagnosis. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel
