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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
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The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Persistent right umbilical vein: a prenatal condition worth mentioning?
J Weichert1, D Hartge, U Germer
1Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Germany. jan.weichert@uk-sh.de
Summary
Persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is often isolated with a good prognosis. However, PRUV can indicate severe congenital anomalies, necessitating thorough prenatal evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is a rare fetal anomaly.
- Understanding its incidence and clinical significance is crucial for prenatal diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical impact of prenatally diagnosed PRUV.
- To evaluate PRUV findings in conjunction with existing literature.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 39 PRUV cases across three tertiary referral centers (1996-2009).
- Exclusion of fetuses with situs anomalies.
- Review of prenatal sonograms and neonatal outcomes, combined with literature data.
Main Results:
- 29/39 (74.4%) cases of PRUV were isolated; 10/39 (25.6%) had associated cardiovascular, genitourinary, or gastrointestinal malformations.
- Isolated PRUV cases showed favorable pregnancy and postnatal outcomes.
- Extrahepatic drainage of PRUV (5.3% of cases) was always associated with additional anomalies.
Conclusions:
- The majority of PRUV cases are isolated and carry an excellent prognosis.
- PRUV can be linked to severe congenital anomalies, underscoring the need for detailed fetal assessment.
- Prenatal diagnosis of PRUV warrants comprehensive evaluation for associated abnormalities.
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