Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
08:19
A Pipeline to Characterize Structural Heart Defects in the Fetal Mouse
Published on: December 16, 2022
2.3K
Two ductus venosus: a previously unreported anomaly
Mohammed Firdouse1, Arnav Agarwal2, Bharadwaj Pindiprolu3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada ; McMaster University, 4077 Tea Garden Circle, Mississauga, ON L5B 2W5 Canada.
Journal of Ultrasound
|November 5, 2014
Summary
This is the first reported case of a fetus with two ductus venosus (DV). This rare finding highlights the importance of monitoring umbilical vein connections for fetal well-being.
Area of Science:
- Fetal Medicine
- Vascular Anatomy
- Perinatal Cardiology
Background:
- The ductus venosus (DV) is crucial for fetal circulation, connecting the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava (IVC).
- Abnormalities in DV formation can impact fetal development and outcomes.
- A four-vessel cord and dilated bowel were noted in the presented case.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first documented case of a fetus with two ductus venosus.
- To discuss the implications of supernumerary umbilical veins and DV connections on fetal circulation.
- To emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring in cases of atypical umbilical venous anatomy.
Main Methods:
- Detailed ultrasonography and echocardiography were performed at 31 weeks of gestation.
- Doppler patterns of the two DVs were analyzed.
- Postnatal assessment confirmed uneventful delivery and stable hemodynamics.
Main Results:
- A fetus with a persistent right umbilical vein and two distinct ductus venosus (DV) anomalies was identified.
- Both DVs were visualized anastomosing with the inferior vena cava (IVC).
- The infant was delivered healthy with stable hemodynamics.
Conclusions:
- The presence of multiple umbilical veins necessitates corresponding ductus venosus connections for balanced fetal circulation.
- A mismatch between supernumerary umbilical veins and DV connections may predispose fetuses to hydrops fetalis and adverse perinatal outcomes.
- Feto-maternal specialists must provide close monitoring for fetuses with atypical umbilical venous anatomy due to associated risks.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Fetal Circulation
4.9K
Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
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...
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...
4.9K
01:11Overview of Systemic Veins
1.7K
Systemic veins are crucial blood vessels that return deoxygenated blood from various body tissues back to the heart. There are three systemic veins that return deoxygenated blood to the heart, they are as follows.
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the...
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the...
1.7K
01:18Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis
2.2K
The human body is a complex system of interconnected parts, and the circulatory system plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. One key component of this system is the inferior vena cava, a large vein responsible for returning blood from the abdominopelvic viscera and abdominal walls to the heart.
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
2.2K
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
466
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
466
01:07Development of Blood Vessels
2.0K
The development of the vascular system in a fetus is a complex and intricate process that begins as early as 15 to 16 days post-conception. This process starts outside the embryo, specifically in the mesoderm of the yolk sac, chorion, and connecting stalk. Approximately two days later, the formation of blood vessels occurs within the embryo itself.
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...
2.0K
01:26Varicose Veins I: Introduction
374
Varicose veins, or varicosities, are abnormally dilated and twisted superficial veins caused by venous valve incompetence. This condition commonly affects the lower extremities, especially the saphenous veins, due to the higher pressure from prolonged standing and walking. However, varicosities can also occur in other areas, such as the esophagus, vulva, spermatic cords, and anorectal region.Etiology and typesPrimary varicose veins, often idiopathic, are more common in women due to inherent...
374