Prenatal diagnosis of persistent right umbilical vein

Abstract

A persistent right umbilical vein is thought to be a rare anomaly, frequently associated with other life-threatening malformations. Eight cases of prenatal diagnosis of persistent right umbilical vein are presented. All cases were discovered on a routine second-trimester sonogram in an unselected population. Of the seven babies who were delivered, one had a dextrocardia and right-sided descending aorta, but none had other associated major malformations. The outcome was favorable in all cases and all seven infants are well and thriving with up to a year and a half of follow-up. Our findings suggest that persistent right umbilical vein might not be as rare as the paucity of reports in the literature implies. Provided that no other malformations are present, this anomaly is probably of little prognostic significance, requiring no further evaluation or follow-up.

Persistent right umbilical vein: a prenatal condition worth mentioning?

“…Table S1 summarizes previous studies on PRUV published to date1–35. A total of 302 cases—including the present series—were reviewed.…”

The fetal venous system, Part II: ultrasound evaluation of the fetus with congenital venous system malformation or developing circulatory compromise

“…In the course of normal embryonic development, the right UV degenerates and the left UV is left to carry blood from the placenta to the fetus. Failure of right UV involution results in the PRUV anomaly1, 36–39 (Figure 4). PRUV is the most frequently detected fetal venous system anomaly.…”

Systematic examination of the fetal abdominal precordial veins: a cohort study

“…This should include examination of the course of the umbilical vein, ductus venosus, portal veins and portal sinus, splenic vein, hepatic veins and inferior vena cava (IVC), to confirm normal anatomy and rule out anomalies. Most anomalies of the venous system are rare and some isolated anomalies, such as persistent right umbilical vein, may be asymptomatic. However, anomalous venous anatomy may have serious sequelae, for example in cases of agenesis of the ductus venosus or abnormal development of the portal system.…”