Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging of umbilical cord ulcer in a fetus with congenital small bowel atresia: A case report

Abstract

A 34-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 0) with suspected fetal small-bowel atresia on ultrasound underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 33 weeks 3 days of gestation. In addition to small bowel atresia, a teardrop-shaped hematoma was observed adjacent to the umbilical cord associated with an umbilical cord ulcer (UCU). The fetus was delivered by induced labor on diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death. UCUs were macroscopically observed on the surface of the umbilical cord. Ultrasonography is helpful in the diagnosis of UCU. Moreover, the MRI findings on UCUs adjacent to the umbilical cord in the case of congenital small bowel atresia should be observed carefully, especially after 30 weeks of gestation. MRI findings may lead to the detection of UCU and improve fetal outcome. Therefore, we should be aware of its findings.