title: Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a case report. Antepartum prediction of underlying placental vascular pattern in monochorionic twin pregnancies may be possible.
abstract: A case of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is described. Comparing data of serial antepartum ultrasonography with a haemodynamic model suggests the possibility of predicting the underlying placental vascular anatomy. It is suggested that serial ultrasonography, including full biometry, pulsatility indices of the umbilical arteries, foetal echocardiography, assessment of amniotic fluid indices and foetal bladder filling could serve as ultrasound parameters for pattern recognition of the underlying placental vascular anomaly. Biometry should be plotted serially in a difference/average plot. Future application of such intensive ultrasound monitoring in monochorionic twins, as soon as monochorionicity is established, may distinguish those monochorionic twins who may benefit from treatment from those whom it would be better only to observe.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Rynstate, Arnhem, The Netherlands. hzondervan@compuserve.com
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Zondervan
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: van Gemert
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Nikkels
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Omtzigt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Offringa
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Deprest
authors.forename: O P
authors.initials: OP
authors.lastname: Bleker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001163:Arteriovenous Anastomosis; D005260:Female; D005330:Fetofetal Transfusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal