Pregnancy outcome after ultrasound diagnosis of fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix

B. D. Byers, N. Goharkhay, J. Mateus, K. K. Ward, M. B. Munn, T. S. Wen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives Fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein (FIUV) varix is a focal dilatation of the intra-abdominal portion of the umbilical vein, which has been reported to be associated with intrauterine death and other anomalies. Our aim was to examine our experience with this diagnosis at a single tertiary-care center and to correlate it with clinical outcome. Methods This was a retrospective case series study. Our ultrasound database was searched for all cases with a diagnosis of FIUV varix identified at our facility between 1997 and 2007. We reviewed all ultrasound examinations, maternal antenatal records, delivery records and newborns' medical records. Results We identified 52 cases of FIUV among a population of approximately 68 000. Three cases of trisomy 21 were identified, all of which were accompanied by other anomalies. There was intrauterine death of one fetus with trisomy 21 at 35 weeks of gestation. We did not find an association between FIUV varix and other obstetric complications. Conclusions The outcome of pregnancies with FIUV varix is generally favorable. The finding of a FIUV varix should prompt the search for other anomalies, especially markers of aneuploidy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)282-286
Number of pages5
JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume33
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Pregnancy outcome
  • Trisomy 21
  • Ultrasound
  • Umbilical cord
  • Varix

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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