Color Doppler, HDlive, and HDlive Silhouette features of an umbilical cord cyst before 11 weeks of gestation: Diagnostic value.

OBJECTIVE

We describe transvaginal color Doppler, HDlive, and HDlive Silhouette features of an umbilical cord cyst (UCC) before 11 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

In this cohort study, 135 transvaginal dating scans were performed at 7 to 10 + 6 weeks of gestation, and 17 UCCs were identified (12.6%). UCC was evaluated using color Doppler, HDlive, and HDlive Silhouette. The clinical characteristics, pregnancy courses, and outcomes were also investigated.

RESULTS

UCC location was on the fetal side in six cases, at the free loop in 10 cases, and on the placental side in one case. There were seven single and 10 multiple cysts. Cyst diameters ranged from 3.3 to 11.3 mm (mean, 5.6; standard deviation, ±2.1). Blood flow inside the cyst was noted in three cases (17.6%). HDlive clearly showed the spatial relationships among UCC, the umbilical cord, midgut herniation, yolk sac, and embryo. Location of UCC could be clearly identified with HDlive. HDlive Silhouette showed central cysts inside UCCs in seven cases (41.2%). HDlive Silhouette also clearly demonstrated the sac of midgut herniation in the umbilical cord in 12 cases (70.6%). All UCCs resolved before 15 weeks (mean, 11.1 weeks; standard deviation, ±1.5). All fetuses with UCCs showed good neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of UCC was high compared with that in previous reports. Color Doppler, HDlive, and HDlive Silhouette may provide information on the nature and origin of UCCs before 11 weeks of gestation. UCC before 11 weeks of gestation may be a common, transient, and benign finding.