To report two cases of umbilical cord hemangioma diagnosed prenatally and to discuss their sonographic characteristics and pregnancy outcomes.
Approach:
Case 1: A 27-year-old primigravida underwent routine prenatal screening at 23 weeks, revealing a fusiform enlargement of the umbilical cord. Serial ultrasounds showed significant enlargement and vascular changes, leading to intrauterine fetal demise at 36 weeks.
Case 2: A 35-year-old woman had a markedly thickened umbilical cord identified at 19 weeks. Serial ultrasounds showed right umbilical artery thrombosis and cystic enlargement, resulting in the delivery of a live infant at 33 weeks.
Key Findings:
Umbilical cord hemangioma can be identified prenatally through characteristic sonographic features.
Advanced Doppler imaging can reveal vascular channels within the hemangioma.
Conventional Doppler parameters may not fully indicate hemodynamic compromise, highlighting the need for careful monitoring.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest that detailed vascular assessment and close monitoring of structural changes are crucial for managing umbilical cord hemangioma.
Limitations:
Prognostic markers for umbilical cord hemangioma remain undefined.
The study is based on only two cases, limiting generalizability and the ability to draw broader conclusions.
Conclusion:
Recognizable sonographic patterns and vascular assessments may aid in prenatal identification and management of umbilical cord hemangioma, emphasizing the need for ongoing research.
