Constriction ring syndrome, also known as amniotic band syndrome, is a congenital (present at birth) disorder that occurs when fibrous bands of the amniotic sac (the lining inside the uterus that contains the fetus) become entangled around a developing fetus.
In some cases, the bands wrap around the fetus's head or umbilical cord. More commonly though, the bands wrap around a limb, fingers or toes, creating severe constrictions -- similar to what happens when you wrap a rubber band around your arm or leg.
This sometimes results in nothing more than an unsightly, circumferential cleft (indentation) extending around a finger or limb. However, deeper bands can cause severe swelling, cut off of lymphatic or venous flow, and interfere with development of the appendage. If a band is tight enough, the constriction may even cause an in utero (before birth) amputation of the appendage.
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