Raised limb bands developing in infancy.

Abstract

Congenital cutaneous constriction bands are rare and often occur with other abnormalities, including the presence of rudimentary digits. This diverse syndrome lacks a precise definition and a satisfactory explanation. We describe two unusual cases with features previously undescribed, in which predominantly raised, annular limb bands became apparent postnatally. One infant was also born with foreshortened digits and a constricting limb band, suggesting a shared aetiology with other congenital cases. The development of raised bands during infancy would be difficult to reconcile with the widely held 'amniotic band hypothesis', and would be more in keeping with a multifocal developmental abnormality in limb growth.