Prenatal diagnosis of umbilical cord cyst: Clinical significance and prognosis

Abstract

Objective: Clarify the prognosis of the prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of umbilical cord cysts at any gestation trimester and to assess the ultrasound findings and chromosomal alterations associated to this entity. Materials and methods: Between 2003 and 2015 a multicenter study was carried out, collecting, in five centers in Spain, the associated findings and perinatal outcomes of 27 cases of umbilical cord cysts, regardless of gestational age of diagnosis. A bibliographic review was conducted to identify previous studies in order to compare them with our data. Results: In our sample, the prognosis of this finding and the neonatal outcome, when isolated, is favorable, regardless of gestational age at diagnosis, multiple or unique presentation or vanishing or persistent cysts. Conclusions: It is important to properly assess the umbilical cord cyst and when is diagnosed, it is recommended to conduct a meticulous ultrasound examination searching for other associated malformations. In our study the prognosis of this finding seems to be favorable when isolated. Also, there is no relation between prognosis and gestation weeks at diagnosis. On the other hand, when we find this entity with associated anomalies, it is recommended to assess the need to carry out a karyotype.

Keywords

• Gestation
• Pregnancy outcome
• Ultrasound
• Umbilical cord
• Umbilical cyst