Twin trisomies-Edward and Patau syndromes.
OBJECTIVE
To report the rare occurrence of dichorionic diamniotic twins with dissimilar aneuploidies.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
District general hospital.


METHODS
A 36-year-old woman conceived by in vitro fertilization. Dichorionic diamniotic twins were found to have elevated nuchal translucencies and cystic hygromas. Intrauterine deaths occurred at 13 and 17 weeks gestation.


METHODS
Medical termination of pregnancy.


METHODS
Karyotypes.


RESULTS
Cytogenetic studies confirmed Edward's and Patau's syndromes.


CONCLUSIONS
The aetiology is unknown but maternal age and in vitro fertilization may be linked since the incidence of aneuploidy rises with maternal age and the incidence of twins' increases with assisted reproductive techniques. This case highlights the need for obstetricians to have good communication and counselling skills.
Massiah
Nadine
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Furness General Hospital, Barrow in Furness, United Kingdom. nsmassiah@doctors.org.uk
Griffiths
Emma
E
Bamigboye
Vincent
V
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D000032:Abortion, Therapeutic; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D018191:Lymphangioma, Cystic / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D048208:Nuchal Translucency Measurement; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D013577:Syndrome; D014314:Trisomy; D014427:Twins / Q000235:genetics*