Placental and Umbilical Cord Anomalies Diagnosed by Two- and Three-Dimensional Ultrasound

The aim of this review is to present a wide spectrum of placental and umbilical cord pathologies affecting the pregnancy. Placental and umbilical cord anomalies are highly associated with high-risk pregnancies and may jeopardize fetal well-being in utero as well as causing a predisposition towards poor perinatal outcome with increased fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The permanent, computerized perinatology databases of different international centers have been searched and investigated to fulfil the aim of this manuscript. An extended gallery of prenatal imaging with autopsy correlation in specific cases will help to provide readers with a useful iconographic tool and will assist with the understanding and definition of this critical obstetrical and perinatological issue.

Automated summary

This review presents a wide range of placental and umbilical cord pathologies that affect pregnancy outcomes. These anomalies are associated with high-risk pregnancies and can lead to fetal compromise and poor perinatal outcomes. By analyzing perinatology databases and providing prenatal imaging with autopsy correlation, this manuscript aids in understanding and defining this critical obstetrical and perinatological issue.