Sudden fetal death associated with both duodenal atresia and umbilical cord ulcer: a case report and review

Abstract

We encountered one case of duodenal atresia complicated by massive intrauterine hemorrhage due to the perforation of an umbilical cord ulceration (UCU). UCU is an extremely rare complication in the perinatal period. Although the prenatal diagnosis of upper intestinal atresia has been established, little is known about the association between UCU and upper intestinal atresia. In this article, we report our case, review past articles, and discuss the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the cause of an UCU. Given the characteristic sites of upper intestinal atresia, we speculate that regurgitation of gastric or intestinal juice into the amniotic fluid could be responsible for the development of UCU. We also believe that close observation is required for patients who have upper intestinal atresia.