Case report
The giant umbilical cord: an unusual presentation of a patent urachus

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2003.09.023Get rights and content

Abstract

Umbilical cord anomalies remain a frequent newborn nursery consultation for the pediatric surgeon. The authors report on a giant umbilical cord associated with a patent urachus. Although it is an uncommon anomaly, operative exploration must be carried out to repair the associated urachal remnant.

Section snippets

Case report

AFULL-TERM baby boy with routine prenatal care, but no prenatal ultrasound examinations, was referred from an outside institution after an uneventful delivery. The patient was noted to have a giant umbilical cord, with diameter measuring 5 cm and length approximately 30 cm. The cord had a glistening surface and hydropic consistency. A normal number of umbilical vessels were present within the cord. The umbilical stalk was of normal diameter with no palpable fascial defect. No abdominal contents

Discussion

A review of the literature reports few similar cases of a giant umbilical cord.1, 2, 3, 4 However, all of these cases are associated with a patent urachus. Ente et al.1 reported 2 cases of infants presenting with large urachal leaks. Both of these infants had been born with giant umbilical cords. The differential diagnosis of this condition includes umbilical cord pseudocysts, umbilical hernias, vascular malformations, and omphalomesenteric duct remnants. Prenatal ultrasound scan is helpful in

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