Inflammation of the umbilical cord (funisitis) may accompany chorioamnionitis.
Portions of the cord that may become inflamed:
(1) the umbilical vein (phlebitis)
(2) one or both umbilical arteries (arteritis)
(3) stroma and Wharton's jelly
(4) outer surface
Initially the inflammatory infiltrate is light and limited to the intima and adjacent vascular lumen of the vein. As the inflammation progresses it becomes more intense and spills over into the stroma.
If all 3 vessels are inflamed then it may be termed panvasculitis. This usually correlates with severe chorioamnionitis in the placenta.
Complications:
(1) thrombosis
(2) calcifications
(3) necrosis
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