Velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord vessels with vasa praevia--a case report

Among the abnormal cord insertion pathology, velamentous cord insertion associated with rupture of vasa praevia is the most severe condition related to the outcome of the newborn. In velamentous cord insertion, the fetal vessels run freely through the fetal membranes without protection from Wharton's jelly, umbilical vessels diverging as they traverse the membranes. When the membranes are ruptured, complete tearing of fetal vessels through the torn membranes or partial rupture near the site of membrane rupture may occur. Velamentous insertion occurs in approximately 1% of singleton gestations, but is observed in as many as 15% of monochorionic twin gestations. The risk of perinatal death was doubled in pregnancies with velamentous cord insertion relative to normal cord insertion. This condition can be diagnosed by ultrasonography with a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 100% in the second trimester. We report a case of a newborn who came from a velamentous cord insertion condition associated with rupture of vasa praevia after the spontaneously membranes rupture. After a difficult resuscitation and stabilization, the newborn survived with a good outcome after the follow-up.