Ruptured vasa previa in velamentous cord insertion placenta.

Ruptured vasa previa is rare but usually catastrophic if delivery is not imminent. We present a case of ruptured vasa previa in velamentous cord insertion placenta. The fetus survived despite 6 h of a venous rupture because of the tamponade effect from fetal head engagement. Defects in the vessel wall architecture were revealed by histopathologic examination and might be responsible for the vessel rupture. Prenatal sonographic identification of cord insertion site into the placenta is encouraged as standard of practice to prevent this accident.     

Vasa Praevia: Another Cause for Concern in In Vitro Fertilization Pregnancies

A case is reported of the velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord into the membranes of the placenta, unsuspected until delivery, in an in vitro fertilization pregnancy. Abnormal placental development adds a new dimension of risk to these pregnancies. The Australian Register of in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies has shown (1) an increase in perinatal mortality rates but there are many possible causes for such an increase. A recent report (2) has suggested a higher incidence of velamentous and marginal insertions of the umbilical cord in IVF pregnancies. We wish to report a case of marked velamentous insertion of the cord which was associated with an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, but highlights the possible increased risks of vasa praevia in IVF pregnancies.     

Difference in the size of the placenta and umbilical cord between women with natural pregnancy and those with IVF pregnancy

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the sizes of the placenta and umbilical cord in women with natural pregnancy versus those undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

Overall, 1610 cases of uncomplicated single pregnancies with vaginal delivery at ≥?37 weeks of gestation were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: natural pregnancy group (n?=?1453) and IVF pregnancy not including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment (n?=?157). The groups were compared in terms of gestational week, maternal age, parity, maternal weight gain, prepregnancy maternal BMI, infant weight at birth, infant head circumference, placental weight, cross section of the placenta, cross section of the umbilical cord, insertion site of the umbilical cord, and umbilical cord length. Stepwise selection and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis to correct the result as an independent factor.

Results

There was no difference in the size of the placenta and umbilical cord between women with natural pregnancy and with IVF, but the incidence of velamentous insertion of the cord was significantly increased in women with IVF pregnancy (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–2.72, p?=?0.026).

Conclusions

Although there is no difference in placental weight and cord size, velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord increases in IVF pregnancy and needs careful observation during the delivery process.

     

Spontaneous intra-uterine total rupture of a velamentous umbilical cord; a case report

A case of spontaneous intra-uterine total rupture of a velamentous umbilical cord is reported. Shortly after delivery of an exsanguinated stillborn, a completely separated cord was spontaneously delivered. At its insertion the umbilical cord was velamentous, and it consisted of only three vessels at the site of rupture.     

Prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa

Vasa previa is a rare condition in which unsupported by the placenta, umbilical cord blood vessels runs within the placental membranes between internal os of the cervix and presenting part of the fetus. We report an antenatal diagnostic procedure and management of a patient with low-lying placenta and velamentous cord insertion near to the internal os with two large fetal blood vessels coursing between the internal cervical os and fetal presenting part. An elective cesarean section was performed at 36 weeks gestation.     

Inserción velamentosa extrema de cordón umbilical, sin rotura de vasa previa

Velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord appears in one out of every 100 pregnancies and can prove life-threatening for the fetus. Consequently, prenatal diagnosis through ultrasound scanning is required, at least in women with a risk of vasa previa, such as those with multiple pregnancies, in vitro fertilization, or placenta previa, who will require an elective cesarean section.We present an extreme case of velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord, in which the vascular distribution was reminiscent of a bird's cage. Surprisingly, there was no vascular injury.     

Placental ratio and risk of velamentous umbilical cord insertion are increased in women with placenta previa

The purpose of this study was to explore the maternal risk profile and obstetric outcome in pregnancies affected by placenta previa. Retrospective case-control study involved all women (93 [0.37%] women with diagnosed placenta previa and 24,857 unaffected controls) who gave birth to singleton infants at Kuopio University Hospital between the years 1989 and 2000. Grand multiparity, infertility problems, and advanced maternal age were independent risk factors of placenta previa, with adjusted relative risks of 5.8, 3.7, and 2.4, respectively. Most women with placenta previa (88.2%) underwent cesarean delivery before term. They also more often had velamentous umbilical cord insertion (7.5%) and higher placental-to-birthweight ratios than the controls. Placenta previa was associated with risks of preterm delivery, low birthweight infants, and need for neonatal intensive care, at odds ratios of 27.7, 7.4, and 3.4, respectively. In conclusion, placenta previa is an infrequent pregnancy complication associated with multiparity, advanced maternal age, infertility problems, elevated placental ratio, and velamentous umbilical cord insertion.     

Early sonographic diagnosis of body stalk anomaly

Ultrasonographic features of a fetus at 18 weeks of gestation suggesting a body stalk anomaly are presented. These included a large abdominal anterior wall defect in apparent continuity with the placenta, severe kyphoscoliosis of the lower spine, the absence of one kidney, and a very short umbilical cord with only one umbilical artery. The amniotic fluid was reduced and the fetus was almost immobile at short-interval ultrasound examinations. The pregnancy was terminated and autopsy of the fetus showed abnormalities compatible with maldevelopment of both cephalic and caudal embryonic folds.     

Diagnóstico prenatal de vasa previa

ObjectivePrenatal diagnosis of vasa previa in cord insertion anomaliesMaterial and methodWe examined six cases of cord insertion anomalies or placentation anomaliesResultsThree cases were diagnosed of vessels previous the presentation and near the internal cervical orifice. Two cases of twin pregnancy with a cord velamentous insertion of the second twin on the partition membrane, the situation of the insertions showed a clinical vasa previa of the second twin after the potential birth of the first twin. The last case showed an interplacental vascular septum, in a bilobed placenta, that was previous to the presentation and near the internal cervical orificeConclusionThe bidimensional ultrasounds, the pulsed and color Doppler studies allowed the prenatal diagnosis of the vasa previa in the asymptomatic pregnancies. Its diagnosis was based in its suspect in cases with a velamentous insertion or with a bilobed placenta. In these situations, a detailed evaluation of the relation of the amniotic umbilical vessels with the inferior uterine segment or with the uterine region previous to the fetus will allow the diagnosis of the vasa previa     

Umbilical-placental blood flow gradient during the early second trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize umbilical-placental blood flow gradient during early second trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: Forty normal pregnant women with a singleton fetus gave their informed consent to participate in this study. All scans were preformed between 12 and 20 weeks' gestation using the simultaneous multigate spectral Doppler imaging (MS-SDI) modality available on the Diasonics Synergy system. The umbilical-placental circulation was scanned at three locations: (1) umbilical artery at the cord insertion, (2) superficial placenta at a point close to the cord insertion, and (3) deep placenta branches at the area adhere to the decidua basalis. The mean value of pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were recorded. RESULTS: PI and RI were both significantly lower in the superficial and deep placenta compared with the cord insertion area. No significant differences were found comparing between superficial and deep placenta. In 30 women we found lower values and in 10 women we found a higher value of PI and RI in the superficial and deep placenta compared with the cord insertion. Four of five cases with complicated pregnancies occurred in patients with negative placental gradient compared with only one case with positive placental gradient (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary report the umbilical placental blood flow gradient was characterized during the early second trimester of normal pregnancy. The presence of decreasing gradient was established. Absent or opposite gradient between the umbilical artery and the placental vessels was associated with adverse pregnancy outcome.     

First-trimester midgut herniation: a high-frequency transvaginal sonographic study

The application of high-frequency transvaginal sonography offers new opportunities in scanning for malformations during the first trimester of pregnancy. Scanning of the anterior abdominal wall and the umbilical cord insertion at this gestational age is feasible. A cross-sectional study of 61 embryos-fetuses from 7 to 12 weeks of gestation was performed to observe the physiologic midgut hernia. This herniation was detected in 64% of the cases at 8 weeks, in 100% during weeks 9 and 10, and in 25% at 11 weeks' gestation. None of the fetuses studied at 12 weeks had a midgut herniation. Vaginal sonography of the well-dated fetus at 12 weeks can confirm the final development of the anterior abdominal wall.     

Umbilical cord complications in twin pregnancies

OBJECTIVES: The postpartum umbilical cord examination can provide a lot of significant information concerning discordant twin growth or reasons of intrauterine death of one or all the fetuses. The aim of this study was the postpartum assessment of umbilical cords in twin pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examination material consisted placentas coming from 110 twin pregnancies. The analysis concerned the assessment of placenta types, the umbilical cords attachment place and also the twins birth weight. RESULTS: Basing on the studies of placentas coming from 110 twin pregnancies 76 (69.0%) dichorionic and 34 (31.0%) monochorionic placentas were found. Among dichorionic, 40 (53%) separated and 36 (47%) fused placentas were observed. Among monochorionic 31 (91%) diamniotic and 3 (9.0%) monoamniotic placentas were present. Abnormal umbilical insertion to placenta was most frequently observed in monochorionic pregnancies: in diamniotic--marginal insertion in 21.2%, velamentous insertion in 15.9%, and in monoamniotic--equally 33.3%. In dichorionic pregnancies, for fused placentas--marginal in 8.7%, velamentous in 9.1%, and for separated--5.6% and 3.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal umbilical cord insertions to the placenta was most frequently found in monochorionic pregnancies. Among pairs of twin born with body weight discordance, the abnormal umbilical cord insertion was more frequently found in the case of the smaller newborn.     

Placental and Cord Insertion Pathologies: Screening,Diagnosis, and Management

Placenta previa, low‐lying placenta, and placenta accreta are aberrations in the normal development of the placenta. Diagnosis in the prenatal period is essential because each of these pathologies can have a profound impact on the management of labor, birth, and the third stage. In recent years, there has been an increase in the occurrence of these placental abnormalities, with the increase in the cesarean rate considered to be a main cause of this phenomenon. Comprehensive risk assessment, combined with recent advances in ultrasonography, can provide earlier detection of impaired placental implantation. Umbilical cord insertion pathologies are also of concern. Velamentous cord insertion is a defect in the insertion site of the umbilical cord resulting from the atrophy of portions of the developing placenta. In this condition, the blood vessels of the umbilical cord are not protected by Wharton's jelly, resulting in a potential for increased risk of breakage when the amniotic membranes rupture. Vasa previa is a velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord in which the blood vessels are present over the cervical os. If these blood vessels rupture during labor, it can have catastrophic effects on the fetus. Prenatal diagnosis of this condition can allow the certified nurse‐midwife/certified midwife (CNM/CM) to plan for the safe birth of the newborn and avoid fetal hemorrhage. This article provides a review of risk factors, diagnosis pathophysiology, and management options for these conditions, thus enabling the CNM/CM to provide safe, effective care and management.     

Velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord and vasa previa

We report 31 cases with velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord of whom two had coexistent vasa previa. The prevalence of the former was 0.22% and of the latter 0.014%. Perinatal mortality was low, 3.2%, but there was a high rate of complications during pregnancy, such as threatened abortion, antepartum and intrapartum bleeding, premature delivery and fetal distress. Fifteen patients underwent caesarean section. Four of the term infants were small for gestational age. One infant had congenital malformations. The two cases with vasa previa are described in detail. We conclude that velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of fetal distress accompanied with antepartum or intrapartum vaginal bleeding.     

Umbilical cord rupture and vasa previa: a report of a case

Vasa previa is a rare condition, frequently lethal, in which fetal blood vessels coming from the placenta or the umbilical cord cross the entrance of the childbirth channel before presentation. The abnormal blood vessels are result of a velamentous cord insertion or a placental alteration. It happens in 1:3000 births, with a high perinatal mortality. A 16 years-old primigest patient, at 34.6 week of gestation, was admitted to the labor, which has a good evolution, without any complication. A male new born was obtained without hearth rate or vitality, Apgar scale 0-0, weight 2800 grams, who presented an umbilical cord rupture 3 centimeters from its abdominal insertion, no where the fetal blood vessels are unprotected. It is necessary an adequate prenatal care, diagnosis and accurate management, to avoid the mortality by this rare clinical entity.     

Vasa previa and postpartum hysterectomy in maternal Rh alloimmunization

Velamentous insertion of the cord, or vasa previa, is a malady where fetal vessels tranverse membranes ahead of the fetal part. The incidence of vasa previa is 1: 2000-3000 deliveries. Fetal mortality is over 50-75%. Early diagnosis is needed because these deliveries require emergency cesarean section; it is especially more common with placenta percreta, uterine atony and hemorrhage. Intravascular infusion of red blood cells (RBCs) into the fetus is one of the most successful means of in utero therapy for severe fetal anemia caused by RBC alloimmunization. We performed four fetal intrauterine intravascular transfusions (IVT) as therapy for severe fetal anemia. The patient underwent elective cesarean section. After delivery, profound uterine atony and vaginal hemorrhage were noted and the patient underwent hysterectomy. Pathological examination of the placenta and umbilical cord documented velamentous insertion of the cord. Before intrauterine IVT a detailed US examination is necessary to exclude vasa previa or placenta previa. Uterine atony may be result after a diagnosis of placenta previa or vasa previa. Intrauterine IVT is an irreplaceable diagnostic procedure in the treatment of severe fetal anemia.     

Placental alterations secondary to intrauterine crowding

The placenta can provide information that is helpful in determining the developmental pathogenesis of various structural defects. If a velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord or a short cord is noted, it is most likely that any associated structural defects in the newborn infant are deformational in nature secondary to the same factor that lead to the velamentous insertion or a short cord.     

前置血管破裂的诊治

前置血管破裂是产科一种急危重症疾病,往往并发于脐带帆状附着、前置胎盘、双叶胎盘或副胎盘等情况,严重威胁胎儿及新生儿的生命,影响围产儿结局。因此,产前高度怀疑前置血管时需严密的监护,及时诊断前置血管破裂和终止妊娠是改善围产儿结局的关键。     

羊膜带综合征一例

本文报道了1例羊膜带综合征(amniotic band syndrome,ABS)病例。该例孕妇于孕22周+4胎儿系统超声提示未见明显异常,孕30周时,B超发现羊水过多,胎儿水肿可能,收住南京医科大学第一附属医院治疗。入院后予控制血糖,行羊水减量术,B超动态监测羊水指数,每日胎心监护。孕32周起,孕妇出现胎动进行性减少,胎心监护渐呈正弦波样改变;孕32周+3时因胎儿窘迫行急诊剖宫产终止妊娠,术中发现脐带的胎盘插入部见片状羊膜自该处延续至胎儿左下肢近踝部皮肤,羊膜分离呈多孔状,新生儿左踝部可见明显带状缩窄环,左足水肿明显,确诊ABS。该羊膜带对胎儿左足影响较为直接,脐带的胎盘插入部附近的片状羊膜对胎儿是否存在影响尚无足够证据。该早产儿于出生24 h后因"新生儿窒息"死亡。