Evaluation of the type of fetal umblical-portal anastomosis in late-onset fetal growth restriction: A case-control study

J Clin Ultrasound. 2024 May;52(4):353-358. doi: 10.1002/jcu.23636. Epub 2024 Jan 12.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the type of umbilical-portal anastomosis in late-onset fetal growth restriction (LO-FGR) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses. To investigate the impact of the type of umbilical-portal anastomosis on the adverse outcomes in LO-FGR.

Method: This study observed 150 pregnancies with AGA fetuses and 62 pregnancies with fetuses with LO-FGR. In each case, the point of reference for measuring the abdominal circumference was established. The type of umbilical-portal anastomosis was evaluated as T-shaped, X-shaped, and H-shaped according to the shape of main portal vein and portal sinus. Incidences of the type of umbilical-portal anastomosis in AGA and LO-FGR fetuses were evaluated.

Results: T-shaped anastomosis was the most common (56.7%) in the AGA group and X-shaped (66.1%) in the LO-FGR group. In LO-FGR, T-shape anastomosis was significantly lower and X-shape anastomosis was significantly higher than AGA (p < 0.001). X-shaped anastomosis was associated with LO-FGR and the RR was 2.3 (95% CI 1.5-3.6; p < 0.001). Incidences of admission to NICU and emergency C/S for fetal distress were higher in fetuses with X -shaped anastomosis in the LO-FGR (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: X-shaped umbilical-portal anastomosis have a prognostic significance in LO-FGR fetuses.

Keywords: late‐onset fetal growth restriction; perinatal outcome; shape of umbilical‐portal anastomosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation* / diagnostic imaging
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Portal Vein* / abnormalities
  • Portal Vein* / diagnostic imaging
  • Portal Vein* / embryology
  • Portal Vein* / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal* / methods
  • Umbilical Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Umbilical Veins / surgery