Perinatal Outcomes Of Fetal Intra-Abdominal Umbilical Vein Varix: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Objectives: To investigate the perinatal outcomes of fetuses with antenatal diagnoses of intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix (UVV).Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in four countries on fetuses diagnosed with intra-abdominal UVV between 2012 and 2019. Collected data included gestational age (GA), UVV maximum diameter at diagnosis and delivery, associated anatomical and chromosomal anomalies, birth weight, and neonatal outcomes.Results: Twenty fetuses were identified, of which 20% had associated chromosomal and/or anatomical abnormalities, most resulting in poor outcomes (either intrauterine fetal death or pregnancy termination). Mean maternal age was 34.17.0 years, UVV was diagnosed at 26.5 +/- 4.5 weeks of GA on average with a maximum diameter of 12.0 +/- 4.0mm. Mean GA at delivery was 35.4 +/- 5.6 weeks. Survival rate was 85%.Conclusion: Our study shows a satisfactory outcome when intra-abdominal UVV is an isolated finding, with minimal obstetrical and perinatal consequences. The prognosis is worse when UVV is associated with other anomalies.