SYNDROMES ASSOCIATED WITH SINGLE UMBILICAL ARTERY

Introduction: The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta at the feto-maternal interface and typically consists of two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. However, in some cases, only a single umbilical artery (SUA) is present. As single umbilical artery is associated with poor perinatal outcome and association of other fetal anomalies, a detailed evaluation of the fetus for other anomalies is warranted. This study aimed to study the syndromes associated with SUA identified during perinatal autopsies. Aims and objectives: To study syndromes associated with single umbilical artery in perinatal autopsies. Materials And Methods: We reviewed the records of all fetuses submitted for autopsy to the Department of Pathology over a 5-year period (2019–2024), totalling 503 cases. The data were retrieved from the hospital's pathology laboratory records. Autopsy specimen were examined for single umbilical artery and syndromes associated with single umbilical artery were noted. Anthropometry was recorded, X-ray, CT-Scan and MRI were reviewed where ever necessary. Rokitansky technique of en block dissection done. A SUA Results: was present in 12.3% of the autopsies. The gestational age of the affected fetuses ranged between 20 weeks to 7 days after birth. 10 cases (2%) of single umbilical artery were associated with syndromes namely 3 cases of sirenomelia, 2 cases of OEIS complex, 1 case each of Dandy Walker Syndrome, Arnold Chiari Malformation, Jacobsen syndrome, Potters syndrome, Edward's syndrome. Conclusion: A SUA is usually seen in association with other syndromes. Perinatal autopsy plays a crucial role in understanding the implications and underlying causes associated with a single umbilical artery (SUA).