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Prune Belly Syndrome
Alternate Names : Eagle-Barrett Syndrome
Definition
Prune belly syndrome is a group of congenital anomalies characterized by three major findings:
- Deficient development of abdominal muscles (causing the skin of the abdomen to wrinkle like a prune)
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Undescended testicle
- Urinary tract anomalies
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The underlying causes of prune belly syndrome are unknown. 96-97% of cases are boys. Expectant mothers carrying affected infants may develop varying degrees of oligohydramnios (insufficient amniotic fluid) that make it likely the infant will have lung problems. (See also Potter syndrome.)
The newborn infant has a wrinkled abdomen that looks like a prune. This is because the abdomen swelled with fluid in the womb, then lost that fluid after birth, leading to wrinkles of excess skin. The appearance is accentuated by the lack of adequate abdominal musculature. Many infants are either stillborn or die within the first few weeks of life from severe lung or kidney problems, or a combination of congenital anomalies.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Prune Belly Syndrome Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Prune Belly Syndrome Symptoms & Signs
• Prune Belly Syndrome Prevention
• Prune Belly Syndrome Diagnosis & Tests
• Prune Belly Syndrome Treatment
• Prune Belly Syndrome Prognosis
• Prune Belly Syndrome Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Chronic Renal Failure
• Potter Syndrome
• Undescended Testicle
• Urinary Tract Infection
Tests & Exams
• Intravenous Pyelogram
Other Topics
• Amniotic Fluid
• Stillbirth
Review Date : 11/3/2003
Reviewed By : Celeste Krauss, M.D., Board Certified Clinical Genetics, Clinical Cytogenetics and Pediatrics. Founding Fellow, American College of Medical Genetics. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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