Angiomyxoma of umbilical cord

Angiomyxoma of the umbilical cord is a benign tumour arising from endothelial cells of the umbilical cord vessels². Also known as haemangioma, myxangioma, haemangiofibromyxoma and myxosarcoma of the umbilical cord, it appears sonographically  as a homogenous solid echogenic mass of variable size, usually located near the placental insertion of the cord, but can be located in any part of the umbilical cord. Separate from, but close to, the haemangioma there may be cystic degeneration of Wharton's jelly¹.

O43.9 Placental disorder, unspecified

O69.9 Labour and delivery complicated by cord complication, unspecified

The incidence is unknown. Because of its rarity, the prenatal diagnosis of angiomyxoma is based on findings described in isolated case reports². Angiomyxoma is a rare tumor of the umbilical cord and is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality^3,4.

The formation of the cord is complex and involves several parts of the developing fetus, yolk sac, and mesenchyme. The umbilical cord is formed between the 6th and 8th week of gestation by the approximation of the omphalomesenteric duct/yolk sac and the allantoic duct with the body stalk of the developing embryo⁴. The umbilical cord is subsequently made up of two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein derived from the allantoic vessels. The connective tissue or mesenchyme supporting these vascular structures, also called Wharton’s jelly, liquefies under the pressure. The impermeability of the covering amnion may predispose this gel to pseudocyst formation⁴.

Angiomyxoma of the umbilical cord is a benign tumor arising from endothelial cells of the umbilical cord vessels². It consists of an angiomatous nodule, ranging in size  from 0.2 to 18 cm, generally encompassed by edema and myxomatous degeneration of Wharton’s jelly, which is often cystic⁴. The edema is due to high permeability of angiomatous vessels that are placed in a soft, gelatinous tissue⁵.

Angiomyxoma is a benign mesenchymal neoplasm. Microscopically it is composed of anastomosing vascular structures, delineated by endothelium. The vascular channels may be widely dilated, and a variable amount of smooth muscle is always present. Fibrin thrombi may be present and associated with endothelial necrosis and degeneration or calcification and acute inflammation. Sometimes, stromal calcification or osseous metaplasia may occur⁵. Cytologic features suggesting malignancy are absent; the proliferation index Ki67 is very low. Immunohistochemical examination confirms the vascular nature of the lesion with CD31 and CD34  detected in the thin walls of the vessels⁶.

Clinically, the most frequent presentation is that of an isolated umbilical cord anomaly without other fetal malformations. Cases of umbilical cord angiomyxomas seen in association with cutaneous or visceral hemangiomas , i.e. port wine skin lesions, and single umbilical artery have been reported. Some cases of multiple lesions of the newborn was discribed with multiple hemangiomas in the liver, intestines, skin, and brain⁷.

Impaired umbilical circulation with stenosis of umbilical vein and arteries is considered as the predisposing factor for fetal demise and fetal intrauterine growth restriction^8,9.

Sometimes polyhydramnios and hydrops fetalis can be present¹⁰. Hydrops fetalis is associated with intrauterine and neonatal death. In one case, there was pulmonary hypoplasia in the newborn due to extensive accumulation of serous fluid in the fetal tissues and the body cavitie^11,12.

Umbilical vessels can become stenotic due to the intravascular proliferation of the angiomyxoma⁹. Fetal haemorrhage due to rupture is rare but lethal condition and has been described in some cases^1,4,5. Some rare presentation of reducing in size of angiomyxoma due to spontaneous rupture without bleeding was also reported, that followed uncomplicated vaginal delivery ¹³.

Unknown. There is no data on the recurrence rate.

Ultrasound and maternal serum alphafetoprotein evaluation in the second trimester can be used to diagnose angiomyxoma of the umbilical cord in early gestation¹⁴.

Sonographically, an angiomyxoma appears as homogenous solid echogenic mass of variable size, usually located near the placental insertion of the cord. Separate from but close to the echogenic mass there may be cystic degeneration of Wharton's jelly, and thus the lesion may appear quite heterogeneous. In some cases, colour Doppler ultrasound can support the suspected diagnosis by demonstrating blood vessels with low flow within the echogenic component of the tumor that can be demonstrated with HDlive Flow^15,16.

The differential diagnosis must include hematomas and teratomas of the umbilical cord, abdominal wall defects and true umbilical cord cysts¹⁷.

After the diagnosis of an angiomyxoma, it is essential to start proper monitoring with serial assessments for fetal growth, angiomyxoma’s size, well-being and Doppler examinations. Other malformations should be excluded⁴.

Limited data exists concerning mortality, morbidity, outcome and prognosis of angiomyxoma of the umbilical cord. Less than 50 case have been reported in the literature. Most cord angiomyxomas are incidental findings and when small in size and isolated in nature, are usually of limited clinical significance. Size does matter and vascular compromise due to compression of the umbilical vein leading to cardiac failure has been reported in association with large tumours¹⁵. In addition to fetal growth issues, compression of the adjacent umbilical vessels may lead to  fetal hydrops, and torsion around the axis of the cord can occur and lead to fetal death^4,15. Fetal death secondary to rupture of this vascular cord lesion has been rarely reported⁴. Neonates with angiomyxoma of the cord may also demonstrate skin hemangiomas^18,19.

Serial ultrasound and Doppler examinations are used to monitor  size of the angiomyxoma, look for evidence of cardiac compromise and evaluate  the overall fetal well-being. Mapping of the fetal vessels through the mass has been advised to assess the potential risk of rupture of the cystic portion of the mass leading to tearing of the umbilical vein, and fetal hemorrhage²². Prognosis is largely determined by associated anomalies of the fetus and the hemodynamic changes in the fetus. There are no stringent guidelines for management of these pregnancies. Serial ultrasound examinations, assessing amniotic fluid volume,  tumour size and Doppler studies at 4 weeks intervals up to 32-34 weeks and every 1-2 weeks thereafter, have been suggested, depending on the findings²⁰. Offering amniocentesis on a routine basis is not warranted from the available data, since umbilical cord angiomyxomas have never been associated with chromosomal abnormalities⁸. In most cases  of large angiomyxomas Cesarean section has been the reported mode of delivery. Cases of ultrasound-guided in utero decompression following vaginal delivery and cases of spontaneous delivery were described. Concerns regarding intrapartum management without cystic decompression include possible risks of dystocia or sudden cystic rupture affecting blood flow through the cord. Controlled aspiration with ultrasonographic guidance may be used to decrease these potential risk factors^3,21. Generally, the mode of delivery depends on the size and location of the tumour.

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