The clinical implications of single umbilical artery: A case report and multifaceted review

A single umbilical artery (SUA) is a notable anomaly in fetal development, characterized by the absence of one umbilical artery. This condition, detectable through routine ultrasound screening as early as the 12th week of gestation, raises significant obstetric and perinatal considerations. Despite its prevalence, the pathogenesis of SUA remains largely idiopathic, potentially indicating intrinsic anomalies that may be associated with chromosomal and congenital abnormalities in up to 50% of cases3. This paper aims to discuss the nature of SUA, including its historical context, diagnostic approach, evolutionary significance, and implications for antenatal care, focusing on optimizing outcomes through a collaborative, patient-centric care model.