Umbilical cord thrombosis

Last revised by Subhan Iqbal on 8 Sep 2020

Umbilical cord thrombosis is a potentially fatal complication and can mean either a thrombosis of the umbilical vein or either or both the umbilical arteriesUmbilical vein thrombosis occurs more frequently than thrombosis of one or both umbilical arteries (umbilical arterial thrombosis8.

The estimated incidence is approximately 1 in 1300 deliveries, 1 in 1000 perinatal autopsies, and 1 in 250 high-risk gestations. There is a slight male predominance 1

Among various other etiological factors, thrombosis of the umbilical vein can potentially occur following cordocentesis or intra-uterine transfusion.

Greyscale imaging may show focal areas or the entire cord being increased in echogenicity. Color Doppler will confirm an absence of flow 8.

A poorer fetal outcome is more likely with arterial thrombosis 1. The strong association between cord thrombosis and perinatal morbidity and mortality is likely related to additional umbilical cord abnormalities, obstetrical complications, or systemic fetal conditions that are the likely cause of both the thrombosis and the poor fetal outcome. 

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.