Prenatal ultrasonograms showing a reduced amniotic cavity in a patient with multiple genitourinary, anorectal, and limb anomalies

Multiple genitourinary, anorectal, and limb anomalies are described in association with the presence of intrauterine compression in a male newborn. Bilateral hydronephrosis, and imperforate anus with a rectourethral fistula, a posterior urethral valve, a left undescended testis, a bifid scrotum, a short prepuce, and flexible clubfeet were all noted in one of twin boys. Furthermore, a strikingly smal amniotic cavity was demonstrated at 7 weeks' gestation by ultrasonograms and pressure pits on the ankles were also seen after birth, features suggestive of intrauterine spatial compression. It is postulated that the early intrauterine compression inhibited the normal development of the fetus, causing the multiple anomalies. The conditions observed in this case are considered compatible with the concepts previously proposed by Stephens et al.