Umbilical cord hernia associated with complete evagination of the patent omphalomesenteric duct and prolapse of adjacent ileal limbs

Abstract

Dear Editor, An umbilical cord hernia (UCH) [or congenital hernia of the umbilical cord (CHUC)], is a rare postnatal persistence of herniation of variable portions of the intestine into the umbilical cord. It represents normal physiological herniation in the early fetal life.1 A normal insertion of the cord characterizes UCH into the umbilical ring with intact skin covering the ring. The defect diameter is < 4 cm, contenting from intestinal loops to any movable intraperitoneal organs. The etiology of UHC remains unclear, but it is believed to arise from either persistent physiological mid-gut herniation or by a failure of contracture of the umbilical ring. The incidence of UCH is ~1:5000 with a male preponderance (3:1). UCH may be rarely associated with a persistent omphalomesenteric duct (POMD), Meckel's diverticulum, cloacal anomaly, type I colonic atresia, and type IIIb ileal atresia.1 Clinical symptoms of UCH may vary according to the herniated contents.