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

• Umbilical Cord Aneurysm

What is Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord? (Definition/Background Information)

• An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or blood-filled bulge in the artery caused by weakening of the arterial wall. If an aneurysm forms on the artery of the umbilical cord, then it is known as Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord
• The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall. It is a disc shaped reddish brown structure that connects the fetus to the mother through the umbilical cord
• The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein, providing a connection between maternal and fetal blood circulation
• The normal function of placenta is to supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus from the mother’s blood and remove wastes from the fetal body
• If the aneurysm is large, then it can block the blood vessel of the umbilical cord resulting in fetal deaths or stillbirths (due to decreased blood supply to the fetus)
• There are no risk factors or causative factors associated with Umbilical Cord Aneurysm
• Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord requires appropriate treatment for an optimal outcome. The treatment and prognosis is dependent upon the size of the aneurysm (whether small or large) and the stage of pregnancy
• Currently, Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord is a condition that cannot be prevented

Who gets Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord is a rare 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 Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord
• Research is being performed to identify the relevant risk factors

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 Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord is unknown
• An association with the genetic disorder trisomy 18 is implicated
• Research is currently being performed to identify the relevant causative factors

Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord 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 Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord?

The signs and symptoms of Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord may include:

• Decreased blood flow to the fetus causing fetal distress
• Excessive hemorrhage/bleeding during childbirth (due to aneurysmal rupture)

How is Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord may involve:

• Physical examination along with an evaluation of one’s medical history
• Prenatal ultrasound scan, which may reveal the aneurysm
• A careful examination of the placenta by a pathologist after birth of the child, to macroscopically (gross visual exam) and microscopically analyze the placental tissue may help establish a diagnosis

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 Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord?

Complications due to Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord may include:

• Decreased blood flow to the developing fetus, which can result in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and other congenital abnormalities in the developing fetus
• Spontaneous abortions or miscarriages due to aneurysmal rupture
• Stillbirths due to rupture of aneurysm during early labor
• Excessive hemorrhage/bleeding during childbirth can result in fetal mortality

How is Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord Treated?

• There is no specific treatment available for Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord
• Treatment is directed towards managing the fetal complications associated with this condition. if the arterial wall bulge or aneurysm is discovered during a prenatal scan, then the baby may be delivered (if it has reached the gestational age and is ready to be delivered)
• A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is necessary, since the presence of Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord is considered to be a high-risk pregnancy

The healthcare provider may decide on the course of action on a case-by-case basis, analyzing all the health issues that are involved.

How can Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord
• If the ultrasound scan indicates the presence of an aneurysm in the umbilical cord during pregnancy, then careful monitoring of the pregnancy is necessary and vital for a successful outcome

What is the Prognosis of Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord is based on many factors and is guarded
• Without appropriate treatment, the baby may die due to the complications that develop

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Aneurysm of Umbilical Cord:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-related-disorders/