[Angioma of the umbilical cord. Apropos of a case]

Abstract

We report a case of umbilical cord angioma in a female newborn. Ultrasonographic antenatal diagnosis had suspected either an omphalocele or a tumor of the umbilical cord. A caesarean had been decided at term. Surgery was necessary to ligate the umbilical vessels. The cord was 37 cm long and 7 cm large in several places. It weighed 495 g. The interest of this case resides in its rarity. First description of this kind of tumor was made by Gerdes in 1864 and since, only 20 cases have been reported. Antenatal diagnosis difficulties in umbilical cord tumors are reviewed. Vitelin cyst, angioma, and teratoma represent the most common diagnosis which are histologically and clinically discussed. Associated malformations and complications of umbilical cord angioma are reviewed in the literature.