Sonographically detected abnormalities of the umbilical cord.

OBJECTIVES

This study was undertaken as a retrospective chart review to evaluate the range of umbilical cord abnormalities detected by prenatal sonography, as well as the outcome and pathologic correlation.

METHODS

We identified 13 cases of umbilical cord abnormalities detected sonographically over a 46-month period. We evaluated the ultrasound appearance, size, location, and color Doppler characteristic in each case.

RESULTS

There were 4 instances of clear cysts on the umbilical cord, 8 with complex masses, and 1 with complete, cystic encasement of the cord throughout its length. The pathology included vascular abnormalities (hemangioma, hematoma, varicosity), edema of the umbilical cord with pseudocysts, and syncytial knots. There was 1 known karyotypic abnormality (trisomy 13). Twelve of the 13 newborns survived; the neonatal death occurred in the fetus with trisomy 13.

CONCLUSION

The presence of umbilical cord abnormalities may represent a variety of pathologic entities. Clinical outcome is usually favorable.