Abstract
Umbilical cord anomalies can be related to its morphology (coiling, length and thickness); placental insertion (marginal and velamentous insertion); in utero distortion (knotting, torsion and nuchal cord) vascular abnormalities (single umbilical artery) and primary tumours or masses (haemangioma and teratoma). Some of these conditions may be associated with other foetal abnormalities or aneuploidy. On the other hand, several prenatal complications including intrauterine growth restriction IUGR and stillbirth can be attributed to cord accidents or abnormalities. Early detection and close follow up of umbilical cord abnormalities can reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality and assist in decision making. To understand the normal development of the umbilical cord and discuss several pathologic processes which are involved in different cord abnormalities.
Keywords
Umbilical cord - Perinatal outcome - Vasa praevia - Screening
