Intrauterine closure of the ductus arteriosus in association with prune belly syndrome

Abstract

Findings from the autopsy of a preterm neonate with in utero anatomic closure of the ductus arteriosus in association with prune belly syndrome are presented. Marked bladder distention, a major feature of prune belly syndrome, has secondary mechanical effects on fetal thoracic organs, and the fetus might have been exposed to chronic intrauterine stress. This could have affected the prenatal closure of the ductus arteriosus, although no definitive conclusion can be made.