Persistent Right Umbilical Vein: Clinical Case and Literature Review

Background and Clinical Significance: This article presents a clinical case of persistent umbilical vein of the extrahepatic type in a fetus. The features, diagnosis, and prognosis of this rare vascular anomaly, as well as the applied pregnancy monitoring tactics, are reviewed. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old woman was referred to a tertiary-level hospital at 25th weeks’ gestation for evaluation of a suspected fetal heart defect. Persistent right umbilical vein of the extrahepatic type, cardiomegaly with predominant atrial enlargement, a primum atrial septal defect, and hydropericardium were diagnosed. At 33 + 5 weeks of gestation, signs of decompensation emerged, including progressive cardiomegaly, hydropericardium, and newly developed ascites, leading to the decision to induce labor. Imaging was performed using a Voluson E8 ultrasound system (GE Healthcare, Zipf, Austria). Despite all efforts, the severity of the condition ultimately proved fatal in this clinical case. Conclusions: Patients carrying fetuses suspected or diagnosed with PRUV should receive coordinated management by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Delivery should be planned in a tertiary-level hospital.