Foetal vitelline vein: a systematic review of the literature

To summarize and analyse the ultrasound image characteristics and prognosis of persistent vitelline vein.

The keywords 'vitelline vein' or 'portal vein tumour' were used to search the China Knowledge Network (CNKI), Wipo database, Wanfang database, and Chinese Medical Journal Full Text Database. Pubmed, Embase, and Uptodate databases were searched with the keywords 'vitelline vein' or 'portal vein tumour'. Literature from the above databases up to October 2024 was searched. We summarized the retrieved case data and analysed the pathogenesis, ultrasonographic manifestations, and follow-up prognosis of persistent vitelline veins.

Seventeen relevant English-language publications were retrieved, all in case reports involving 24 patients. Descriptive analysis was used to compare the included cases, and meta-analysis was inappropriate because of the great variation in the quality of the studies.

Persistent vitelline veins are uncommon, with a low prenatal diagnosis rate of 29.2% of available cases, and are mostly diagnosed postnatally. The diagnosis can be made in the prenatal period by a detailed examination of the portal venous system, which is clinically differentiated most notably from umbilical vein dilatation. Once the diagnosis of persistent vitelline veins is made, and it should be closely followed up in the prenatal period. Patient follow-up should be done by a multidisciplinary team and always in preparation for postpartum surgery to prevent acute severe postpartum complications related to thrombosis.