Placenta

Gross / macroscopic variations and conditions

Umbilical cord

Marginal insertion



Last author update: 1 November 2015
Last staff update: 28 October 2020

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PubMed Search: Marginal insertion umbilical cord

Paul J. Kowalski, M.D.
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Cite this page: Kowalski PJ. Marginal insertion. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/placentamarginalinsert.html. Accessed March 18th, 2024.
Definition / general
  • Generally refers to an umbilical cord insertion site located at or near the disc margin
Terminology
  • When directly at the disc margin (on the height or thickness dimensional aspect), the insertion is described as marginal or "battledore" (resembling a badminton racket)
  • When near the disc margin (on the width dimensional aspect), the insertion is described as peripheral or eccentric
Epidemiology
  • Marginal insertions occur in approximately 8% of singleton gestations
  • Occur in 20 - 30% of twin pregnancies, with higher incidences in monochorionic twins
Etiology
  • Developing placental disc demonstrates migrational tropism towards the uterine vascular supply
  • When the uterine vascular supply is asymmetric, the disc will migrate in relation to the relatively stationary umbilical cord, resulting in a cord insertion site that is no longer centrally located
  • Competition among twins for the uterine vascular supply can also result in asymmetric placental development and a marginally or peripherally located umbilical cord
Clinical features
  • Fetal growth restriction and the presence of a single umbilical artery (two vessel umbilical cord) are slightly increased with marginal insertions
  • Major chorionic vessels (that would normally insert on the disc more centrally) can instead transverse the adjacent membranes, are termed aberrant membrane vessels and are at risk for rupture
  • Marginal vessels are more likely to undergo twisting, occlusion or thrombosis
  • Discordant growth or fetal growth restriction may be seen with affected twin pregnancies
Case reports
Gross description
  • Umbilical cord insertion will occur at or near the disc margin
  • Aberrant membrane vessels may be present and may show evidence of rupture, hemorrhage or thrombosis
Gross images

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Marginal "battledore" insertion

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Marginal insertion

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Various images

Microscopic (histologic) description
  • Hemosiderin laden macrophages may be seen in the membranes or adjacent to vessels that have undergone rupture or thrombosis
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