Umbilical nodes and cords play a crucial role in fetal development and are essential for the transfer of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and the fetus. Sonographic diagnosis of umbilical nodes and cords has become an integral part of prenatal care, allowing for the early detection of abnormalities and potential complications. The umbilical cord is a vital structure connecting the fetus to the placenta, providing essential nutrients and oxygen for fetal growth and development. Sonographic examination of the umbilical cord and its associated nodes has become an indispensable tool in prenatal care, enabling the early detection of abnormalities and potential complications. This review aims to analyze the current literature on sonographic diagnosis of umbilical nodes and cords, highlighting the key points and advancements in this field. A 37-year-old booked G4P2+1A2 Nigerian woman was registered for prenatal tertiary health care at 12 weeks of gestation. The booking investigations were normal and the booking packed cell volume was 37%. She was compliant with scheduled clinic visits and routine drugs. Pregnancy was carried to term uneventfully. Elective cesarean section was successfully performed at 38 weeks of gestation owing to the patient's prior history of third-degree perineal tear. The intraoperative findings included a loose cord around the neck of the baby and double true knots along the length of the 65 cm umbilical cord. The baby was delivered with appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration (APGAR) scores of 7 in the first minute, 9 in the fifth minute, and the birth weight was 3.0 kg. Mother and baby were discharged 48 h postpartum in stable clinical condition. Although the presence of true double umbilical knots is rare, its coexistence with the nuchal cord is even rarer. There are risk factors associated with true umbilical knots. The possible risk factor implicated in this index case is the gender of the fetus and maternal multiparity. True umbilical knots are usually associated with certain fetal negative outcomes of pregnancy. There are currently no evidence-based treatment options available.
Keywords: Placenta; nuchal cord; umbilical cord; umbilical cord knots.
© The Author(s) 2024.