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Peer-reviewedCC BYAJP Reports

Membranous Fetal Vessels Mimicking Amniotic Band Syndrome: Furcate Cord Insertion in a Bilobed Placenta

  • Abbey Pfister Donahue1
  • Sophia Brancazio2
  • Kristen Quinn3
  • Talla Widelock3
  • Matthew Zuber3
  1. 1Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine Novant Health, Inc. Winston-Salem North Carolina United States
  2. 2Section of Maternal-Fetal MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte North Carolina United States
  3. 3Section of Maternal-Fetal MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology Wake Forest University School of Medicine Winston-Salem North Carolina United States
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Abstract

Objective Membranous fetal vessels may mimic amniotic band syndrome, creating diagnostic uncertainty. We describe a case in which color Doppler redirected the diagnosis from a presumed amniotic band toward furcate cord insertion in a bilobed placenta.

Study Design Single case report of a 33-year-old gravida 3 para 2 evaluated with serial transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound with color Doppler, correlated with gross placental examination after delivery.

Results Ultrasound at 19 6/7 weeks demonstrated a membranous sheet spanning the lower uterine segment without direct fetal involvement, initially suggesting amniotic band syndrome. Color Doppler revealed fetal vessels within the membrane, raising concern for abnormal cord insertion and vasa previa. Transvaginal color Doppler localized these vessels more than 3 cm from the internal cervical os, arguing against type I vasa previa. Surveillance and antenatal testing remained reassuring, and a cesarean at 37 3/7 weeks yielded a healthy neonate. Gross examination confirmed a bilobed placenta with furcate separation of umbilical vessels inserting velamentously into each lobe and converging into a three-vessel cord.

Conclusion Membranous fetal vessels from furcate cord insertion may mimic both amniotic band syndrome and vasa previa. Color Doppler interrogation of any intrauterine band-like structure is essential to establish the correct diagnosis and guide management.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{donahue2026membranous,
  title = {{Membranous Fetal Vessels Mimicking Amniotic Band Syndrome: Furcate Cord Insertion in a Bilobed Placenta}},
  author = {Abbey Pfister Donahue and Sophia Brancazio and Kristen Quinn and Talla Widelock and Matthew Zuber},
  journal = {AJP Reports},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.1055/a-2973-7161},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13722525},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Membranous Fetal Vessels Mimicking Amniotic Band Syndrome: Furcate Cord Insertion in a Bilobed Placenta
AU  - Abbey Pfister Donahue
AU  - Sophia Brancazio
AU  - Kristen Quinn
AU  - Talla Widelock
AU  - Matthew Zuber
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/01
JO  - AJP Reports
DO  - 10.1055/a-2973-7161
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13722525
AB  - Objective Membranous fetal vessels may mimic amniotic band syndrome, creating diagnostic uncertainty. We describe a case in which color Doppler redirected the diagnosis from a presumed amniotic band toward furcate cord insertion in a bilobed placenta.  Study Design Single case report of a 33-year-old gravida 3 para 2 evaluated with serial transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound with color Doppler, correlated with gross placental examination after delivery.  Results Ultrasound at 19 6/7 weeks demonstrated a membranous sheet spanning the lower uterine segment without direct fetal involvement, initially suggesting amniotic band syndrome. Color Doppler revealed fetal vessels within the membrane, raising concern for abnormal cord insertion and vasa previa. Transvaginal color Doppler localized these vessels more than 3 cm from the internal cervical os, arguing against type I vasa previa. Surveillance and antenatal testing remained reassuring, and a cesarean at 37 3/7 weeks yielded a healthy neonate. Gross examination confirmed a bilobed placenta with furcate separation of umbilical vessels inserting velamentously into each lobe and converging into a three-vessel cord.  Conclusion Membranous fetal vessels from furcate cord insertion may mimic both amniotic band syndrome and vasa previa. Color Doppler interrogation of any intrauterine band-like structure is essential to establish the correct diagnosis and guide management.
SN  - 2157-6998
SN  - 2157-7005
ER  -