Publication:

Fetal body stalk malformation-a rare case report

Body stalk anomaly is a rare sporadic defect of the abdominal wall with evisceration of the thoracic and abdominal organs. Body stalk anomaly is reported in about 1 in 7500 births. Here we report about a primigravida with a fetus with posterior encephalocele, hyperextended cervical spine, kyphoscoliosis, large ventral body wall defect involving the entire thorax and abdomen with herniation of vital organs-heart, liver and intestine into the amniotic cavity. Prognosis of the fetal outcome was explained and medical termination of pregnancy was carried out. Body stalk malformation is a lethal condition either in utero or in early neonatal period which can be diagnosed in early trimester ultrasound. The association of chromosomal abnormalities and genetic syndromes in this condition is rare and the risk of recurrence in next pregnancy is less.