AN ACCESSORY FOURTH VESSEL OF UMBILICAL CORD - A PRELIMINARY STUDY

An accessory tiny vessel, approximately 0.5 mm. in diameter, shining through the Wharton's jelly was found in 16 cords of 310 consecutive deliveries. No information about the occurrence of such vessels could be found in the literature. Therefore this report includes data on the incidence and the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this accessory fourth vessel of the cord. This fourth vessel of the cord follows the course of the main umbilical vessels. In the majority of cases this vessel is paired, consisting of two vessels lying in close proximity. Long-term studies now in progress have not, as yet, revealed any other congenital anomalies in children born with this accessory vessel of the umbilical cord. © 1969.