The pathogenesis of gastroschisis and omphalocele.

Omphalocele and gastroschisis appear, by virtue of their differences in postnatal findings and embryological development, to be different entities. An hypothesis concerning the genesis of gastroschisis is presented which is consistent with observed embryologic sequential change and known teratogenic possibilities. The apparent increase in number of cases of gastroschisis and the frequency of omphalocele warrant further experimental study of their pathogenesis, preferably in primates.