Clinical cases of umbilical cord teratoma

Background. Umbilical cord teratomas are true tumors; they tend to grow rapidly and may cause umbilical vessel compression and the development of complications, such as fetal growth restriction, cardiovascular failure, ascites, and intrauterine fetal death. Due to the rarity of this disease, ultrasound polymorphism, the need for prenatal differential diagnosis when they are detected, as well as the lack of recommendations on management tactics for this pregnancy, the authors present their reports on the diagnosis of umbilical cord teratoma. Case report. The paper describes two cases of umbilical cord masses found in pregnant patients during the second antenatal screening. The topography of the umbilical vessels in relation to the pathological mass and the hemodynamic parameters of the umbilical cord are regarded as key diagnostic points. Perinatal outcomes of umbilical cord tumors are caused by hemodynamic disturbances due to umbilical vessel compression by the tumor, which led to antenatal fetal death in the former case and to severe fetal growth retardation and hypoxia and the need for early emergency delivery in the latter one. Conclusion. Prenatal diagnosis of umbilical cord teratoma seems to be realistic when using high and expert class equipment. A thorough assessment of the umbilical cord allows identification of its various pathological conditions, starting in early pregnancy. The high-quality diagnosis and continuity of all components of obstetric monitoring in pregnant woman can guarantee a successful outcome of atypical and rare pathological pregnancy.

fetus, prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, umbilical cord teratoma