FALSE KNOT OF THE UMBILICAL CORD

• Commonest variant of cord anatomy.
• Not of any clinical significance.
• Indicates exaggerated looping of the umbilical cord vessels that cause focal cord dilatation.
• Is also used to describe ectatic surface vessels, varices and focal accumulation of Wharton's jelly.
• It is thought to arise as a result from the increased length of the umbilical vein in comparison to the umbilical arteries.

ULTRASOUND

• Exaggerated loops appear as a bulge in the umbilical cord or a knob like protuberance on it.
• The actual loops of the vessels are only apparent in certain ultrasound planes.
• Important to differentiate from a true knot.

REFERENCES

1. Hertzberg BS, Bowie JD, Bradford WD et.al. False knot of the umbilical cord: sonographic appearance and differential diagnosis. J Clin Ultrasound 1988;16:599-602.