Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Pathology of the umbilical cord in adrenal fusion syndrome
Ricardo Drut1, Rosa Mónica Drut
1Servicio de Patología, Hospital de Niños, La Plata, Argentina. patologi@netverk.com.ar
Abstract:
We report the placental findings of a newborn with multiple anomalies that include small and fused adrenal glands, meningomyelocele, lobar holoprosencephaly, cerebellar hypoplasia, short pancreas, and small spleen, fitting with the features of the so-called adrenal fusion syndrome. The placenta was small and presented a short, undercoiled and segmentally uncoiled umbilical cord with a short constriction in the middle of its length. We speculate that adrenal fusion syndrome and abnormal spleen lobulation and short pancreas may represent part of the same complex and probably related to the one including midline anomalies and defects of laterality formation in which horseshoe (fused) adrenal gland also may be found. Undercoiled umbilical cord might represent the placental component of this malformation complex. We also underline the value in identifying abnormalities of the umbilical cord to establish the cause of death.
Related Concept Videos
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Healing II: Complications
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
The ER provides optimal conditions for synthesizing steroid hormones and lipids, such as phospholipids and triglycerides. Traditionally, lipid metabolism was considered to be a smooth ER function. However, there is no direct evidence to prove that rough ER is completely excluded from lipid...
