Lethal hydrops fetalis secondary to an umbilical cord hemangioma
Carles, D.; Maugey-Laulom, B.; Roux, D.; Jimenez, M.; Saudubray, F.; Alberti, E.M.
Annales de Pathologie 14(4): 244-247
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0242-6498 PMID: 7916752 Document Number: 430298
We report an umbilical cord hemangioma associated with an hydrops fetalis and detected by ultrasonography at 21 week's gestation. Because of the fetal distress, a caesarean section was performed at 28 weeks'. The infant died soon after birth despite resuscitation. The post-mortem examination showed an extensive accumulation of serous fluid in the fetal tissues and the body cavities, and major pulmonary hypoplasia. The umbilical cord contained a grossly fusiform tumor which fulfilled the pathological criteria of an umbilical cord hemangioma. Umbilical cord hemangiomas are very unusual tumors and are rarely associated with a fetal hydrops. This tumor is a cause of increased maternal serum and amniotic fluid alpha-foetoprotein levels. Although it is usually isolated, it is imperative to search for associated malformations or angiomas that may clinically manifest later.