FETAL PROGNOSIS IN VARIX OF THE INTRAFETAL UMBILICAL VEIN

To assess the clinical significance of varix of the intraabdominal por tion of the umbilical vein, we reviewed 10 cases diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography at a median gestational age of 27 weeks. A comprehe nsive anatomic survey and serial follow-up scans were performed in eac h case. All three fetuses with associated anomalies died in utero, and prenatal karyotyping revealed that two of them had a chromosomal abno rmality. In six of the seven cases with structurally normal fetuses th e pregnancy proceeded uneventfully, and no neonatal complications were attributed to the umbilical vein varix. Our experience and the review of the Literature revealed 42 cases with information on fetal outcome . Overall, 24% of the fetuses died, 12% had a chromosomal abnormality, and 5% developed hydrops. We conclude that fetuses with varix of the intrafetal umbilical vein should be considered at risk for poor outcom e. However, if no other anomalies are present, the prognosis is genera lly good.