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.