Persistent right umbilical vein: sonographic detection and subsequent neonatal outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To review our experience with antenatal detection and subsequent neonatal outcome of fetuses with a persistent right umbilical vein.


METHODS
In a prospective observational study, 33 cases of persistent right umbilical vein were detected during 15,237 obstetric ultrasound examinations performed after 15 weeks' gestation.


RESULTS
Persistent right umbilical vein was detected at a rate of one per 476 obstetric ultrasound examinations. Six of 33 (18.2%) fetuses with a persistent right umbilical vein had additional important congenital malformations.


CONCLUSIONS
Careful second- and third-trimester ultrasound examinations can detect a persistent right umbilical vein. When this particular anomaly is detected, a thorough fetal anatomic survey, including echocardiography, should be performed to rule out more serious congenital malformations.
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.
L M
LM
Hill
A
A
Mills
C
C
Peterson
D
D
Boyles
D000025:Abortion, Eugenic; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology