Sonographic findings of the umbilical cord: implications for the risk of fetal chromosomal anomalies

In this review we summarize current knowledge on sonographic findings of the umbilical cord and the risk they impose for chromsomal abnormalities of the fetus. A Medline search of the literature was performed and the pertinent English-language literature was reviewed. Anatomical and Doppler abnormalities of the umbilical cord may be associated with an increased risk of chromosomal aberrations in the fetus. Therefore, level II prenatal sonography should also include a careful examination of the umbilical cord.