Congenital absence of the abdominal muscles

Abstract

In the most recent, authoritative, British text-book of diseases of infancy and childhood10, congenital absence of the abdominal muscles is dismissed in the following words:- ' Congenital absence of the abdominal muscles has also been recorded. In the case illustrated, the leathery, wrinkled appearance of the skin is seen. On palpation, the abdomen felt like a soft bag. The infant was extremely constipated and, being unable to cough properly, soon succumbed to pulmonary infection.'