ABSTRACT

Body stalk anomaly is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of an abdominal wall defect, severe kyphoscoliosis and a rudimentary umbilical cord. Differential diagnosis is important from other abdominal wall defects such as omphalocele and gastroschisis. Isolated gastroschisis shows benign property while body stalk anomaly seems fatal despite normal karyotype. A 22-year-old gravida 2, para 1 cases’ ultrasound examination showed extensive abdominal defect including liver and intestines of the fetus, severe kyphoscoliosis and right foot talipes equinovarus. Preliminary diagnosis was body stalk anomaly. Postmortem examinations were consistent with the definition. Consequently, when the anterior abdominal wall defect was detected, body stalk anomaly should be remembered, the presence of accompanying symptoms on sonogram should be examined carefully and thus accurate prognosis information should be provided to the family.