Umbilical cord hematoma

Umbilical cord hematoma describes the formation of a hematoma secondary to bleeding from the umbilical cord.

Pathology

The hematomas can be either spontaneous or iatrogenic. Spontaneous bleeding is very rare and documented to be around 0.02% of pregnancies. Majority of the cases are iatrogenic related to procedures like cordocentesis.

Risk factors 

• infection
• cord prolapse
• abnormal cord twisting

Radiographic features

Ultrasound

• focal cord expansion with a heteroechoic to hyperechoic mass in the umbilical cord.
• discordant umbilical artery Doppler waveforms 
• normal placenta

Treatment and prognosis

It is associated with high fetal morbidity and mortality.