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Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord

Article
Women's Health
Diseases & Conditions
+2
Contributed byKashif M.Mohiuddin, MD, FRCPath+1 moreJun 29, 2020

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

  • Arteriovenous Fistula of Umbilical Cord
  • AV Fistula of Umbilical Cord
  • AVM of Umbilical Cord

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

  • Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord is a condition wherein an abnormal channel occurs between the umbilical artery and umbilical vein. This results in blood flowing from the umbilical artery to the umbilical vein
  • 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. 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
  • Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord is a rare condition of unknown cause and generally unidentified risk factors
  • This condition causes significant complications in the developing fetus, such as heart anomalies, pulmonary hypertension, and other congenital abnormalities on birth
  • Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord has no specific treatment and the prognosis is poor. Babies, who are delivered, can have significant heart defects that require early heart surgery

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

  • Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord is a rare disorder observed in pregnancy
  • There is no gender, racial, ethnic, or geographical predilection observed

What are the Risk Factors for Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord? (Predisposing Factors)

  • Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord
  • It may be associated with oligohydramnios (increased amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac)
  • 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 Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord? (Etiology)

  • The exact cause of Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord is unknown
  • Research is currently being performed to identify the relevant causative factors

It 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 Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord?

The signs and symptoms associated with Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord include:

  • Increased fluid in the amniotic sac
  • Decreased blood supply to the developing fetus
  • Abnormal heart rates in the fetus (as observed during an ultrasound scan of the mother)

How is Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord may involve:

  • Physical examination along with an evaluation of one’s medical history
  • The healthcare provider may check for any signs of fetal distress (such as non-reassuring fetal heart rate)
  • A prenatal ultrasound can help in the diagnosis of the condition
  • 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 definitive 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 Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord?

Complications due to Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord are severe. It can result in prenatal deaths or congenital abnormalities. The complications include:

  • Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) due to reduced blood supply to the developing fetus
  • Multiple congenital heart abnormalities that include pulmonary hypertension and fetal cardiac failure
  • Higher incidence of miscarriage or stillbirth
  • There may be other congenital defects in the newborn

How is Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord Treated?

  • Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord is a medical emergency and the treatment is directed at saving the fetus and managing the associated complications
  • A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is necessary, since the presence of an arteriovenous malformation in the umbilical cord is considered to be a high-risk pregnancy
  • Infants who are delivered may need cardiac surgery to correct the heart defects

How can Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord be Prevented?

  • Currently, there is no effective prevention of Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord available
  • A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is advised and recommended

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

The prognosis of Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord is poor in a majority of cases. There is an increased incidence of fetal mortality with this condition.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Arteriovenous Malformation of Umbilical Cord:

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

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

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Kashif M.Mohiuddin, MD, FRCPath picture
Reviewed by

Kashif M.Mohiuddin, MD, FRCPath

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board

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