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In twin pregnancies, amnionicity and chorionicity are crucial as they strongly determine prenatal and perinatal management. First trimester ultrasound allows a highly reliable diagnosis of amnionicity and chorionicity, making it an internationally accepted standard in antenatal care. However, in rare cases, amnionicity can change from diamniotic to monoamniotic throughout pregnancy, substantially impacting perinatal management. We report the case of a confirmed monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with a diagnosis of spontaneous septostomy of the dividing membrane (SSDM) at 28 weeks of gestation, resulting in a pseudomonoamniotic pregnancy. Even though SSDM is a rare condition and its sonographic diagnosis might be challenging, it should be considered if, in a known diamniotic pregnancy, there is a sudden failure to visualise the intertwin membrane truly separating both twins.

To evaluate the feasibility and clinical value of fetal left modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) in assessment and management of prenatal twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS).We retrospectively reviewed fetuses with TAPS diagnosed prenatally between 2015 and 2019 at Asan Medical Center. Doppler ultrasound evaluation including the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and fetal echocardiography including left Mod-MPI were evaluated and followed up after antenatal management.Among 10 cases of fetal twin pregnancies with prenatal TAPS, six were spontaneous and four were post-laser TAPS. Left Mod-MPI was abnormal in one or both twins of nine cases (90%) including all post-laser TAPS (Fetal left Mod-MPI was useful for assessment of compromised fetal cardiac function in cases with prenatal TAPS. Application of fetal left Mod-MPI in prenatal staging of TAPS might help evaluate the severity of TAPS and decide timely antenatal intervention.

Aim The present study investigated the current situation regarding intrauterine blood transfusion (IUT) for fetal anemia in Japan. Methods We conducted a nationwide, multicenter, retrospective cohort questionnaire survey for cases that underwent IUT from 2011 to 2015. The questionnaire required perioperative information, indications, details of the procedure, procedure-related complications, and neonatal morbidity. Results A total of 100 IUT procedures were performed in 66 cases at 19 institutions during the study period. The most frequent indication of IUT was complicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins in 28 (42.4%) cases, followed by 16 (24.2%) cases of red-cell alloimmunization, and 10 (15.2%) cases of parvovirus B19 infection. IUT was performed through the umbilical cord in the vast of majority cases (92%). Bleeding from the IUT site was the most common adverse event (40%). Two cases (2%) underwent emergency cesarean section after the procedure. There were no cases of rupture of membrane or intrauterine infection after IUT. The neonatal survival rate was 77.3% in the 66 total cases and 64% in the hydrops cases. The neonatal survival rates in MCDA twins, red-cell alloimmunization, and parvovirus B19 infection were 75%, 93.8%, and 70%, respectively. Conclusions IUT was performed for mainly three indications in Japan: MCDA twins, red-cell alloimmunization, and parvovirus B19 infection. The incidences of severe adverse events seemed very low. The outcomes after IUT were favorable with variations in survival rates according to indications. However, further studies with long-term follow-up will be required to assess the effectiveness of IUT, especially for complicated MCDA twins.

Background Placental anastomoses in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancy have a major impact on fetal circulation. This study was designed to define reference ranges of cardiac and vascular Doppler indices in MCDA twin pregnancies. Methods This cross-sectional study included 442 uncomplicated MCDA twin fetuses undergoing Doppler ultrasonography at 18–35 weeks of gestation. Left and right myocardial performance index (LV-MPI, RV-MPI), E/A ratio of atrioventricular valves, pulsatility indices of umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery (MCA), and ductus venosus (DV), cerebroplacental ratio, peak systolic velocity of MCA, S/a ratio of DV, and early diastolic filling time of ductus venosus (DV-E) were evaluated under standardized settings. The equation models between Doppler indices and gestational age (GA) were fitted. After adjustment for GA, the correlations between MPI and fetal heart rate (FHR), and between MPI and DV indices were analyzed. Results Estimated centiles of Doppler indices were derived as a function of GA, being distinct in values from those of singletons. There was no correlation between GA-adjusted MPI and FHR. DV-E was inversely related to LV-MPI. Conclusions MCDA twins showed significant changes in some Doppler indices throughout gestation with quantitative differences from singletons, emphasizing the importance of MC twin-specific reference values for clinical application. Further adjustment of MPI for FHR was unnecessary. DV-E is a vascular index indirectly representing fetal diastolic function.

Introduction: Examination of the placenta after the third stage of labour, is something oft mentioned in textbooks but often neglected in the clinical setting. Placental examination can give the clinician important insights as to events and exposures the fetus has been subjected to in –utero. Aims & Objectives: To assess the incidence of anomalies observed in term placentae and umbilical cords of parturients in a teaching hospital. Design: We collected term placentae from parturients in the labour ward, and subjected them to a thorough gross examination with a view to pick up anomalies. We subjected the umbilical cord to histologic examination in cases where an anomaly in the cord was detected on gross examination. Participants: Placentae of 92 term parturients. Setting: Anatomy department of a Medical College in Western Uttar Pradesh, India. Main Outcome Measure: To report the incidence of placental and cord anomalies. Results: We found 1 succenturiate lobe of placenta, one dilated umbilical vein, one case of single umbilical artery and 2 velamentous insertions of the umbilical cord (both as one of the two in a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy). Conclusion: Anomalies of the placenta and umbilical cord were observed in 5.43% of parturients. Our study emphasises the importance of careful observation of the umbilical cord and placenta after delivery. Keywords: Succenturiate lobe, Dilated umbilical vein, Single umbilical artery, Velamentous insertion.

To identify key factors associated with adverse perinatal outcome in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR).This was a retrospective cohort study of all monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies diagnosed with sFGR at ≥ 16 weeks' gestation, in a single tertiary referral center between March 2000 and May 2015. The presence of coexisting twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) was noted. Fetal biometry and Doppler indices, including those of the umbilical artery (UA) and ductus venosus (DV), were recorded at the time of diagnosis. The type of sFGR was diagnosed according to the pattern of end-diastolic flow in the UA of the smaller twin. DV pulsatility indices for veins (DV-PIV) were converted to Z-scores and estimated fetal weight values to centiles, to correct for gestational age (GA). Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine for independent predictors of adverse perinatal outcome, which was defined according to survival and included both intrauterine fetal demise and neonatal death of the FGR twin.We analyzed 104 pregnancies, of which 66 (63.5%) were diagnosed with Type-I and 38 (36.5%) with Type-II sFGR at initial presentation. In pregnancies complicated by Type-II sFGR, the diagnosis of sFGR was made earlier than in those complicated by Type-I sFGR (mediam GA, 19.6 vs 21.5 weeks; P = 0.012), and Type-II sFGR was associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome (intrauterine demise of the smaller twin, 34.2% vs 10.6%; P = 0.004). Twin pregnancies complicated by sFGR resulting in perinatal demise had a significantly earlier diagnosis (P = 0.002) and lower birth-weight centile of the smaller twin (P 0.01), those with Type-I sFGR had earlier GA at delivery (P = 0.007) and those with Type-II sFGR had higher DV-PIV Z-score of the smaller twin (P = 0.003), when compared with pregnancies resulting in live birth. Coexisting TTTS had no significant impact on the perinatal outcome of pregnancies diagnosed with either Type-I or Type-II sFGR (P 0.05 for both). Earlier GA at diagnosis (hazard ratio (HR), 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56-0.88); P = 0.002), Type-II sFGR (HR, 3.53 (95% CI, 1.37-9.07); P = 0.008) and higher DV-PIV Z-score (HR, 1.36 (95% CI, 1.12-1.65); P = 0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome of the smaller twin.Pregnancies complicated by Type-II sFGR are diagnosed significantly earlier and are associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome compared with those with Type-I sFGR. Coexisting TTTS has no significant impact on the perinatal outcome of pregnancies diagnosed with either Type-I or Type-II sFGR. Earlier GA at diagnosis, Type-II sFGR and higher DV-PIV Z-score are associated significantly with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome of the smaller twin. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John WileySons Ltd.

Aim: This study was performed to evaluate maternal changes in laboratory characteristics after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted among 30 women with monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with TTTS who underwent FLP at 16–26 weeks of gestation. Maternal laboratory parameters were measured before and after FLP. Results: The pre-FLP mean hemoglobin level (10.0 g/dL), hematocrit level (30.0%), platelet count (229 × 109/mL), fibrinogen level (461 mg/dL), and antithrombin activity (96.8%) decreased after FLP (8.5 g/dL, 25.5%, 204 × 109/mL, 403 mg/dL, and 83.6%, respectively) and returned to normal spontaneously within 2 weeks (9.6 g/dL, 29.4%, 293 × 109/mL, 460 mg/dL, and 102.4%, respectively). The D-dimer level before FLP (2.41 μg/mL) increased after FLP (4.28 μg/mL), and the elevated level was maintained for 2 weeks (3.24 μg/mL). The symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) was not detected after FLP in any of the 30 patients. However, one woman had pulmonary embolism after subsequent cesarean section. Conclusion: Changes in maternal anemia and coagulation/fibrinolysis after FLP for TTTS returned to normal spontaneously within 2 weeks. Maternal elevation of D-dimer level after FLP might be a warning indicator of VTE.

Background Amniotic band syndrome is a rare phenomenon, but it can result in serious complications. We report herein our experience of amniotic band syndrome in a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy where rupture of the dividing membrane occurred early in the second trimester. Case Presentation A 29-year-old nulliparous woman was referred to us for management of her monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy at 10 weeks of gestation. When we were unable to identify a dividing membrane at 15 weeks of gestation using two-dimensional ultrasonography, we used three-dimensional ultrasonography to confirm its absence. Both modalities showed that the left arm of baby B was swollen and attached to a membranous structure originating from the placenta at 18 weeks of gestation. Tangled umbilical cords were noted on magnetic resonance imaging at 18 weeks of gestation. Emergency cesarean delivery was performed at 30 weeks of gestation because of the nonreassuring fetal status of baby A. The left arm of baby B had a constrictive ring with a skin defect. Both neonates had an uncomplicated postnatal course and were discharged around 2 months after delivery. Conclusions Attention should be paid to the potential for amniotic band syndrome if rupture of the dividing membrane between twins is noted during early gestation.

Ultrasound determination of chorionicity in the first trimester has a high accuracy, but it is associated with some pitfalls. This report presents changes in ultrasound findings during a monochorionic pregnancy with chorionic membrane folding (CMF). The patient was a 32-year-old woman, gravida 2 para 0. Her transvaginal ultrasonography identified two gestational sacs (GSs) and two embryos at 7 weeks of gestation. At 9 weeks’ gestation, an ultrasound image showed a lambda sign at both sides and the interruption of chorionic membranes, resulting in the diagnosis of a monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancy with CMF. At 11 weeks’ gestation, an ultrasound image showed a lambda sign at one portion of the septum and a T sign at another portion. This change suggested that the folded chorionic membrane had partially flattened. At 35 weeks’ gestation, an emergency cesarean section was performed. Two healthy male neonates were delivered. Histological placental examination confirmed that the intertwin membrane was composed of two amniotic membranes without a folded chorionic membrane, confirming the diagnosis of a MCDA twin pregnancy. This case presents two important ultrasound chorionicity findings: a monochorionic pregnancy with CMF can show two GSs and a lambda sign and the CMF can flatten or change during the pregnancy.

Fetus papyraceus is a rare obstetrics complication and is characterized by the death of one or more fetuses inthe early gestation period, and the other fetus continues to develop. This report describes a twin pregnancywith one fetus papyraceus and both undergone premature membrane rupture. We reported a 25-year-oldwoman unbooking patient admitted to the Pusura hospital with a complaint of amniotic fluid leaking fromthe vagina after a traffic accident. The patient is a woman with a history of G2P1A0 at 22-week gestationwith twin pregnancies (monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy). There was one live fetus with cephalicpresentation and the other one was papyraceus. Conservative management with a corticosteroid regimento complete the lung maturation was done. At 32-week gestation, the patient was admitted back withspontaneous rupture membranes and the live fetus was seen in lie presentation. She underwent a caesariansection and a premature life female baby was delivered with 1800g of weigh, APGAR score of 7 at 1 minuteand 8 at 5 minutes. The fetus papyraceus was weighed 100g. Both the mother and the baby were dischargedhome in good condition. Fetus papyraceus is a rare condition that describes intrauterine fetal demise in earlypregnancies. It can occur in both single or multiple gestation pregnancies. This case report reported case is apremature rupture of the membranes caused by a traffic accident. A life baby weighing 1800g was deliveredand 100g of weigh of fetus papyraceus in a caesarian section. This case is a diamniotic – monochorionicplacenta. Finally, the healthy baby was discharged 18 days after delivery.

A male preterm infant was born at 36 weeks of gestational age by vaginal delivery after an uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy. He was the fourth child, and his neonatal weight was 2420 g. At birth, a downward right deviation of the mouth was noted during crying (figure 1), with no asymmetry at rest. No other asymmetric features were observed. His twin brother had an unremarkable physical examination. Figure 1 A newborn with asymmetric face due to congenital hypoplasia of the depressor anguli oris muscle. A full-term female infant was born to a primigravida mother by emergency caesarean section after unsuccessful attempts of vaginal delivery by means of vacuum extractor and forceps for mechanical dystocia. Neonatal weight was 3335 g. At birth, an asymmetric crying face was noted with downward deviation of the mouth on the right side (figure 2). The left eye remained persistently open, and the left side of the forehead and the …

OBJECTIVE To determine the perinatal outcome of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies complicated by selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR), which were classified according to the umbilical artery (UA) Doppler flow pattern of the IUGR twin. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of all MCDA twin pregnancies diagnosed with sIUGR and managed at a single tertiary referral center between 2012 and 2018. Cases were classified according to the UA Doppler flow pattern of the IUGR twin as Type I (positive end-diastolic flow), Type II (persistently absent/reversed end-diastolic flow) or Type III (intermittently absent/reversed end-diastolic flow). Patients with Type-II or -III sIUGR were hospitalized at 26-28 weeks of gestation for increased fetal surveillance. Perinatal and immediate and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were stratified according to the UA Doppler flow pattern at the final examination. Intact survival rate was defined as the number of infants surviving without neurological impairment, divided by the total number of fetuses. Composite adverse outcome, defined as any mortality, presence of severe brain lesions on postnatal transcranial ultrasound or severe neurological morbidity, was also assessed. RESULTS Of 88 MCDA twin pregnancies with sIUGR included in the study, 28 underwent selective termination by cord occlusion using radiofrequency ablation, resulting in a perinatal survival rate of 89.3% and a median gestational age (GA) at delivery of 33.8 (interquartile range (IQR), 28.8-38.2) weeks for the large cotwin. Expectant management was employed in 60 cases. In 26 (43.3%) cases in the expectant-management group, the classification according to the UA Doppler flow pattern changed during gestation, resulting in 26 (43.3%) cases of Type-I, 22 (36.7%) cases of Type-II and 12 (20.0%) cases of Type-III sIUGR at the final examination. The perinatal survival rate of both twins with sIUGR Types I, II and III at the final examination was 100%, 81.8% and 75.0%, respectively (P = 0.04). Two cases of double fetal death and one case of single fetal death occurred 1-4 weeks after the Doppler pattern had changed from Type I or Type II to Type III. The median GA at delivery was 34.8 (IQR, 33.1-35.7) weeks in Type I, 30.3 (IQR, 28.6-32.1) weeks in Type II and 32.0 (IQR, 31.3-32.6) weeks in Type III (P

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) occurs in about 1 in 5000 pregnancies. The differential diagnosis between PMD and partial mole is difficult on ultrasound scan, and karyotyping plays a key role in distinguishing PMD from partial mole. Our report is the first to report on the discordancy for PMD in a monochorionic setting. ispartof: CLINICAL CASE REPORTS vol:6 issue:8 pages:1557-1560 ispartof: location:England status: published

Assess clinical utility of the foetal Myocardial Performance Index (MPI) in evaluation and management of monochorionic, diamniotic twin (MCDA) pregnancies.Prospective cohort of (a) initially uncomplicated MCDA (b) Complicated MCDA, including twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR), and liquor and/or growth discordance (L/GD) not meeting TTTS or sIUGR criteria. TTTS and sIUGR were case-control matched. Routine Dopplers and MPI were taken and correlated to diagnosis and final outcome.Twenty-six always uncomplicated pairs, 51 always complicated pairs, and seven uncomplicated to pathological pairs were included. TTTS recipient (n = 25) left and right MPI and intertwin difference (ITD) were significantly elevated, however, were already elevated in Stage I (n = 10), and did not predict progression or pregnancy outcome. sIUGR MPI (n = 11) did not differ significantly from control. Of 15-L/GD pairs, two that progressed to TTTS had significantly higher left and right MPI values in the future recipient (0.61 and 0.72) versus future sIUGR larger twins (0.48 and 0.51) or stable L/GD (0.47 and 0.52): p .01 for all comparisons.In this cohort, MPI did not add substantial diagnostic/prognostic information to current routine evaluation in established TTTS or sIUGR though potentially differentiated L/GD cases progressing to TTTS.

A 39-year-old woman who became pregnant with twins after an intracytoplasmic sperm injection was referred at the ninth gestational week to determine chorionicity. Ultrasonographic examination showed a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy. First trimester nuchal translucency measurements of the fetuses were 1.6 and 2.7 mm. A non-invasive prenatal test was performed and revealed low risk. One fetus appeared to be female and the other male at the 14th gestational week. Second trimester anatomic scanning results were otherwise normal for both fetuses. The newborns delivered at term appeared to be normal female and male babies phenotypically. At the fourth month, buccal cell analysis showed chimeric karyotypes, 46,XX[98]/46,XY[2] and 46,XY[98]/46,XX[2] in the female and male infant, respectively. The recognition of sex discordance despite monochorionicity may be a clue for the diagnosis of such rare cases of chimerism in dizygotic twins, most of which occur in pregnancies obtained by assisted reproductive technology.

Umbilical cord entanglement is the leading cause of fetal mortality in monoamniotic twin pregnancies and a pseudo monoamniotic environment. Published methods for detecting this complication include color Doppler and pulsed Doppler sonography; however, no method provides an absolute diagnosis. In this case, we report the diagnosis of umbilical cord entanglement using dual-gate Doppler imaging. A 35-year-old woman was referred to our hospital at 28 weeks of gestation for prenatal management because of diagnosis of a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with spontaneous septostomy of the dividing membranes. Each fetus displayed normal fetal growth without obvious discordance and anatomical abnormalities. However, the dividing membrane was not detected, and an entangled cord was suspected. Dual-gate Doppler examination was carried out. Two regions of interest were considered at different areas of the umbilical arteries, and when each Doppler image showed two different heart rates at the same time, we considered this to be evidence of umbilical cord entanglement. Cesarean section was performed at 32 weeks of gestation and twins were delivered. The delivered umbilical cords had sixfold entanglement. In this case, dual-gate Doppler seems to have been more accurate than conventional single-gate Doppler for the diagnosis of cord entanglement because we confirmed two different heart rates at the same time with dual-gate Doppler.

Complications due to spontaneous septostomy of the dividing membrane in monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies are rarely described. Herein, we report the case of a preterm female neonate from a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy delivered by caesarean section at 32 weeks of gestation. She was born with a broad band of a transparent membrane-like material firmly attached to her lower abdomen. Postnatally, she developed respiratory distress syndrome and persistent pulmonary hypertension, complicated by bilateral pneumothorax. She died due to respiratory failure when she was 1 day old. Her twin sister survived with no malformations. At postmortem examination, the neonate had severe lung hypoplasia, and the attached material was diagnosed as the dividing septum. We hypothesize that the lung hypoplasia was secondary to local oligohydramnios, which developed as a consequence of the twin being firmly stuck in the defect of the dividing membrane. To our best knowledge, spontaneous septostomy causing an ultimately fatal amniotic band syndrome has not previously been described.

Background In twin pregnancies, elective cerclage placement based on obstetrical history or ultrasound findings has been shown to be ineffective and even harmful. There are currently no guidelines for the use of rescue cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies. Case The current report presents the case of a 33-year-old patient with monochorionic diamniotic twins (MCDA) found to have dilated cervix at 3.5cm with exposed membranes upon physical examination at 19 weeks and 3 days. An emergency McDonald cerclage was placed at 20 weeks and the patient carried the current pregnancy until 35weeks 6 days. Conclusion Rescue cerclage represents an important option to consider in order to preserve twin pregnancies regardless of chorionicity.

In the United States, routine middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) Doppler screening for the detection of antenatal twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is not recommended. The current and only national clinical guideline from the highly-influential Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine states that, “There is no evidence that monitoring for TAPS with MCA PSV Doppler at any time, including > 26 weeks, improves outcomes, so that this additional screening cannot be recommended at this time.” We argue this recommendation has disproportionate influence on patients and the care they are offered and receive. We use current evidence to highlight and dispel pervasive myths surrounding antenatal TAPS and the value of routine MCA-PSV screening. An ethical framework that illustrates the importance of giving patients the opportunity for routine screening is presented. Findings demonstrate that: (1) both spontaneous and post-laser TAPS is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication, (2) treatment for TAPS is effective and includes expectant management, intrauterine transfusion (IUT), or surgery, (3) and routine MCA-PSV, which has satisfactory diagnostic accuracy, is currently the only way to provide early detection of TAPS. We conclude that routine TAPS screening is a medically proven valuable resource that should be offered to patients in need and to the clinicians who are trying to act toward their benefit.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the natural history and outcome of selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancy, according to gestational age at onset and various reported diagnostic criteria, and to quantify the risk of superimposed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS This was a cohort study of MCDA twin pregnancies that had their routine antenatal care from the first trimester at St George's Hospital, London, UK. Pregnancies had ultrasound examinations every 2 weeks at 16-24 weeks and then every 2-3 weeks until delivery. The diagnostic criteria for sFGR were estimated fetal weight (EFW) of one twin

OBJECTIVE To evaluate infant survival according to the Doppler pattern of impedance to blood flow in the umbilical arteries (UAs) prior to laser surgery, in pregnancies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS This was a retrospective study of women with a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy who underwent laser surgery for TTTS between January 2012 and May 2018 at a single institution. Absolute intertwin difference in UA pulsatility index (DUAPI) was measured within 48 h prior to laser surgery. Twins with intermittent or persistent absent/reversed end-diastolic flow (EDF) in the UA (UA-EDF) were analyzed separately. Survival of both or at least one infant at birth and at 30 days postpartum was compared between pregnancies with an intertwin DUAPI of ≥ 0.4 and those with an intertwin DUAPI of

Sirenomelia in monochorionic diamniotic twins is extremely rare pathology. According to the literature data, there are only 24 cases, in which one or both fetuses had sirenomelia. The incidence rate of sirenomelia ranged from 1.1 to 4.2/60,000–100,000 deliveries and associated with the high lethality during early perinatal period. Here, we present a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy, where one fetus was diagnosed with sirenomelia associated with agenesia of one kidney and bladder, and the co-twin was absolutely healthy.

Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is characterized by a wide discrepancy of hemoglobin between two monochorionic fetuses without sign of twin oligo-polyhydramnios sequence. A primiparous woman with monochorionic diamniotic twin transferred for preterm labor. Ultrasonographic evaluation at 32+3 weeks of gestation revealed increased middle cerebral artery-peak systolic velocity (77.4 cm/sec, 1.69 multiples of median) in donor and decreased in recipient twin (36.4 cm/sec, 0.79 multiples of median), the twin was diagnosed with TAPS. Repeated cesarean section was performed at 32+5 weeks of gestation following preeclampsia and preterm labor. After delivery, TAPS was confirmed through neonatal hematologic examination. There were no signs of acute hemorrhagic shock or brain injury. Placental evaluation via dye infusion and barium angiogram revealed one arterioarterial anastomoses with six arteriovenous anastomoses of placenta. We report a prenatally diagnosed case of spontaneous TAPS with arterioarterial and arteriovenous anastomoses and suggest careful monitoring of monochorionic twin and opinion on placenta vascular architecture.

Presentamos el caso de una gestante de 17 semanas con una gestación gemelar monocoriónica biamniótica complicada con RCIU selectivo tipo 2 que requirió, de acuerdo a criterios ecográficos, ablación quirúrgica láser de las anastomosis placentarias. Se identificó durante la fetoscopia una anastomosis arterio-venosa que mostraba flujo bidireccional lo cual es sumamente inusual en este tipo de anastomosis, no reportado antes en la literatura, constituyendo así un signo de mal pronóstico para el gemelo pequeño.

OBJECTIVES To assess the role of intertwin discrepancy in middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) for the prediction of late selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) at birth and birth weight discrepancy of > 25% (BW-25) in otherwise uncomplicated monochorionic-diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. METHODS This was a cohort study including all MCDA pregnancies followed in a tertiary fetal medicine unit between 2008 and 2013. Exclusion criteria were referral after first trimester, abnormal karyotype, structural anomalies, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia-polycythemia sequence and sIUGR detected before 28 weeks. MCA-PSV values of both twins measured in the second trimester (18-24 weeks) and early third trimester (26-32 weeks) were converted in multiples of the median (MoM). sIUGR was defined as birth weight

Aims Among the increasing twin gestations, monochorionic twins occur in about 12 to 15% of all twin gestations and the occurrence is about 1 in 20 in assistive reproductive technology pregnancies. Early detection of twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) or selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) aids the obstetrician in counseling and therapy as required. Materials and methods This is a retrospective cohort study of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies referred from January 2011 to June 2013. Those cases that had crown rump length and nuchal translucency measurements done in the first trimester and then at least one subsequent scan at > 16 weeks, at the institution were chosen. The objective was to assess the utility of placental site of cord insertion in early second trimester scan to predict fetal outcome in monochorionic twin pregnancy. The patient characteristics, placental cord insertion site, and neonatal outcomes were compared among TTTS, sIUGR, and normal groups. Discussion Of 89 MCDA pregnancies, only 60 had been referred for second trimester scan. Among these, in 48 (80%) of pregnancies, both babies were delivered and discharged alive and well. Cord insertions that were eccentric or central were classified as “type A”. Marginal and velamentous cord insertions were classified as “type B”. Pregnancies with both types A and B insertions were called “concordant cord insertions group” and the others were classified as “discordant cord insertions” group. The two groups were compared to look for the pregnancy complications — TTTS or sIUGR. Results The concordant cord insertions (n = 33) had 84.8% of pregnancies having a normal pregnancy and 12.1 and 3.1% developing sIUGR and TTTS respectively. The discordant cord insertion group (n = 27) had 59.2% with normal findings at the second scan and 14.8 and 26% developing sIUGR and TTTS respectively. The incidence of TTTS was 30% in twin pairs with discordant cord insertions and 3% in twin pairs with concordant cord insertions (p = 0.0158). Cord insertions did not influence the occurrence of sIUGR in our study. (p = 0.69). Significantly more pregnancies with concordant cord insertions had normal outcomes (p = 0.02). Conclusion Determination of placental site of cord insertion should be incorporated into protocols of twin pregnancy care. This is a window of opportunity to gain valuable information regarding the pregnancy. Further large studies incorporating fetal biometric and Doppler parameters could show the relative utility of each parameter in the detection of MCDA vascular complications. If the MCDA pregnancy can be classified as “low risk” then reassessment intervals can be extended. This would help to reduce patient stress and costs involved in repeated scans. How to cite this article Andrew C, Suresh I, Seshadri S. Relationship of Fetal Complications in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancy with Placental Site Cord Insertion: A Retrospective Analysis of 30 Months Data in a Referral Fetal Medicine Center. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2016;8(4):304-308.

Rationale: Cesarean scar twin pregnancy is exceedingly rare and it remains to be a life-threatening condition even in the early weeks of gestation. Because of its rare occurrence, there is no consensus on the treatment modality of cesarean ectopic pregnancy. Patient concerns: A 41-year-old, woman, gravida 7, para 6, with a history of low transverse cesarean section 2 years back presented with an estimated 6 weeks gestational age and viable spontaneous twin, monochorionic diamniotic gestation. The patient presented to the Emergency Department with complaints of vaginal bleeding and mild lower abdominal pain for 5 days. Diagnoses: An ultrasound examination was performed demonstrating a single intrauterine gestational sac with 2 viable embryos (monochorionic diamniotic) implanted in the lower uterine segment at the level of the prior cesarean section scar. A diagnosis of viable cesarean scar twin pregnancy was made. Interventions: A 2 doses of 50 mg/m2 methotrexate (MTX) was given intramuscularly. The response to the treatment was monitored by serial beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and ultrasound. Outcomes: Patient was followed up with β-hCG weekly levels which became 0 after 68 days of treatment. During the follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, no side effects of MTX were noticed. Lessons: We reported a rare case of viable monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy on a cesarean scar that was successfully treated with systemic MTX without any additional therapy. Additionally, the decline of β-hCG in twin ectopic cesarean scar pregnancy appears to be similar to a singleton ectopic pregnancy.