Introduction: Pseudoamniotic band syndrome (PABS) occurs iatrogenically after fetal surgery or amniocentesis due to chorioamniotic membrane separation. Separation of the amnion from the chorion can expand to form fibrous amniotic bands that can envelope fetal limbs or the umbilical cord, with consequences ranging from limb constriction to fetal demise.
Case report: We report a case of bilateral fetal pleural effusions at 27 weeks' gestation treated by bilateral thoracoamniotic shunts. Following shunt placement, the hydrothorax resolved. However, chorioamniotic membrane separation developed resulting in PABS with subsequent umbilical cord strangulation and fetal demise at 32 weeks' gestation.
Conclusion: PABS has been previously described in the literature following various fetal interventions. This is the first reported case of pseudoamniotic band syndrome after placement of fetal thoracoamniotic shunts. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose PABS via postoperative ultrasound. Post intervention chorioamniotic membrane separation warrants close surveillance for sonographic evidence of PABS.
Keywords: Pseudoamniotic; hydrothorax; thoracoamniotic.