What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Allantoic Duct Remnant in Umbilical Cord
• Duct Remnant of Allantois
• Remnant of Allantoic Duct

What is Allantoic Duct Remnant? (Definition/Background Information)

• Allantoic Duct Remnant is a benign condition wherein there persists the remnant of the allantoic duct (a portion of the developing yolk sac of the fetus). A persistence presence of the allantoic duct is abnormal
• During the initial stages of the pregnancy, the allantoic duct is a structure that connects to the urinary system of the developing fetus. As the fetus grows, the allantoic duct is no longer needed, and hence, it disappears by the 15^th week of pregnancy (gestation)
• These remnants are usually seen in the proximal part of the umbilical cord in about 1 in 6 cases, or in approximately 15% of the pregnancies
• In majority of the cases, there are no significant signs and symptoms or complications associated with Allantoic Duct Remnant
• Allantoic Duct Remnant requires no treatment and the outcome is generally excellent

Who gets Allantoic Duct Remnant? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Allantoic Duct Remnant is a condition that is observed during pregnancy. It may occur in pregnant women of all ages
• Women who are pregnant with both male and female fetuses can be affected
• There is no racial, ethnic, or geographical predilection observed

What are the Risk Factors for Allantoic Duct Remnant? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Allantoic Duct Remnant
• Research is being performed to identify the relevant risk factors
• The age of the pregnant mother is not a risk factor for the condition

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Allantoic Duct Remnant? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Allantoic Duct Remnant is unknown
• Research is currently being performed to identify the relevant causative factors

Allantoic Duct Remnant is not caused by what the expectant mother does or does not do, either prior to or during pregnancy.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Allantoic Duct Remnant?

Generally, there are no specific signs and symptoms associated with Allantoic Duct Remnant, either in the pregnant mother or in the developing fetus. However, if the remnants are large, then the following may occur:

• Since the allantoic duct is connected to the urinary system of the developing fetus, there may be urine leakage from the umbilical cord
• Large Allantoic Duct Remnants can cause swelling of the umbilical cord (umbilical edema)
• It can also lead to the formation of cysts in the umbilical cord

How is Allantoic Duct Remnant Diagnosed?

• A diagnosis of Allantoic Duct Remnant is made during placental examination under a microscope by the pathologist
• It cannot be detected using radiological studies during pregnancy, in a majority of cases

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Allantoic Duct Remnant?

In a majority of cases, there are no complications associated with Allantoic Duct Remnant. However, in some rare cases, the remnants can be large.

• Since the urinary system of the fetus is connected to these ductal remnants, urine from the fetus may leak through the large allantoic duct
• This excess leakage of urine may cause increased fluid in the gestational sac (a condition called polyhydramnios)
• Occasionally, persistent large Allantoic Duct Remnant can cause urine leak from the umbilical cord after the baby is born
• Rarely, infection of the ductal remnants can result in an abscess formation

How is Allantoic Duct Remnant Treated?

• Allantoic Duct Remnant is a benign condition that generally requires no treatment
• In case of any complications, supportive and symptomatic treatment is provided

How can Allantoic Duct Remnant be Prevented?

Currently, there is no effective prevention of Allantoic Duct Remnant available.

What is the Prognosis of Allantoic Duct Remnant? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Allantoic Duct Remnant is excellent, since it is a benign condition that does not cause any significant signs and symptoms or complications in most cases
• In rare cases, the presence of large Allantoic Duct Remnant may require additional treatment measures such as a surgery

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Allantoic Duct Remnant:

• During development, the allantoic duct becomes the urachus
• When a pathologist examines the allantoic duct under a microscope, usually there is no smooth muscle surrounding the duct