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

• Congenital Cyst of the Umbilical Cord
• Fetal Umbilical Cord Cyst
• Umbilical Cyst

What is Umbilical Cord Cyst? (Definition/Background Information)

• 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 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
• The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein, providing a connection between maternal and fetal blood circulation
• An Umbilical Cord Cyst is a cyst arising in the umbilical cord. It is a relatively common occurrence, especially in the first trimester. Sometimes, the cyst is associated with structural and/or chromosomal malformations
• There are two types of Umbilical Cord Cysts, namely true cysts and pseudocysts:
  • True cysts arise from embryologic duct remnants, while
  • Pseudocysts arise from degeneration within the Wharton’s jelly (a gel-like material surrounding the cord vessels)
• The Umbilical Cord Cyst may compromise blood flow to the fetus, if they are persistent and increase in size
• Currently, there are no preventative measures available for Umbilical Cord Cyst. A close monitoring of the pregnancy is mandated to ensure optimal outcomes

Who gets Umbilical Cord Cyst? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• The incidence of Umbilical Cord Cyst is difficult to predict; however, some studies have estimated that during the first trimester it can reach as high as 3.4% (or 1 in 30 pregnancies)
• Women who are pregnant with both male and female fetuses can be affected
• All racial and ethnic groups may be affected.

What are the Risk Factors for Umbilical Cord Cyst? (Predisposing Factors)

• Typically, no risk factors have been clearly identified for Umbilical Cord Cysts
• Some cases, especially cord with multiple cysts, show an association to trisomy 18 syndrome

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 Umbilical Cord Cyst? (Etiology)

The exact cause of formation of Umbilical Cord Cyst is unknown.

• True cysts are derived from embryonic duct remnants (extra embryonic allantois or omphalomesenteric duct)
• Whereas, the pseudocysts are caused by focal degeneration of Wharton’s jelly (a gel-like material surrounding the umbilical cord vessels)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Umbilical Cord Cyst?

• Typically, in a majority of cases, significant signs and symptoms of Umbilical Cord Cyst are not observed
• In some cases, decreased blood flow to the fetus may result in fetal distress

How is Umbilical Cord Cyst Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Umbilical Cord Cyst 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
• Prenatal abdominal ultrasound may reveal the condition and other associated fetal abnormalities, if any
• Chromosomal analysis through amniocentesis may be performed

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 Umbilical Cord Cyst?

• If the Umbilical Cord Cyst is persistent and progressive in size, there can be fetal compromise due to restriction of blood flow through the umbilical cord
• The restriction of blood flow in umbilical cord can be caused due to compression of the umbilical vessels or thrombus formation
• According to medical literature, Umbilical Cord Cysts in the second and third trimester have been associated with fetal growth restriction and heart defects

How is Umbilical Cord Cyst Treated?

• Once Umbilical Cord Cyst is diagnosed, the pregnant mother is closely monitored over the entire duration of pregnancy
• The healthcare provider may recommend increased frequencies of prenatal appointments to monitor the progress of the baby’s growth and cord cyst(s)
• Frequent ultrasounds are used to determine certain parameters such as the growth of the baby, blood flow, and volume of fluid surrounding the baby

How can Umbilical Cord Cyst be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent the formation of an Umbilical Cord Cyst
• A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is advised and recommended

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

• The prognosis of Umbilical Cord Cyst depends on whether it is an isolated occurrence or a non-isolated occurrence (associated with any congenital abnormality)
• Typically, isolated cases of Umbilical Cord Cyst have good outcome compared to non-isolated cases (i.e., those associated with congenital conditions such as trisomy 18 syndrome)

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Umbilical Cord Cyst:

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

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