Prune Belly Syndrome

Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is a condition characterized by a lack of abdominal muscles, causing the skin on the abdominal area to wrinkle and appear "prune-like"; undescended testicles in males; and urinary tract malformations. PBS is more common in males. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. At one end of the spectrum, the condition may cause severe kidney and pulmonary (lung) problems incompatible with life (resulting in stillbirth); at the other end of the spectrum, the condition may cause few, if any, urological abnormalities. The cause of PBS is unknown. Treatment varies, but usually includes surgical management of symptoms.