Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2005 Aug;48(8):1971-1975.

A case of Vascular Anastomoses in Dichorionic Diamniotic-Fused Placentas Resulting in "Pseudo" Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

• Kim MJ
• Lim SY
• Hur SY
• Lee GS
• Shin JC
• Kim SP
• Rha JG
• Kim SJ

Abstract

Virtually all monochorionic twin placentas contain vascular connections between the circulatory domains of each twin. In contrast, vascular anastomoses are generally thought not to occur in fused, dichorionic placentation. In the twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) one twin is preferentially perfused by blood from the cotwin via unbalanced placental vascular anastomoses. This vascular shunting results in twins born with discrepant weights, colors and hemoglobins. When one of the TTTS criteria was not present, the pregnancy was defined as "pseudo" TTTS. In pregnancies complicated by "pseudo" TTTS indicate that small twins have abnormal cord insertion more frequently than large twins. We present a case of vascular anastomoses in dichorionic diamniotic-fused placentas resulting in "pseudo" TTTS with a brief review of the literatures concerned.

Keyword

Vascular anastomoses; "Pseudo" twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

MeSH Terms

Female
Fetofetal Transfusion*
Humans
Placenta*
Placentation
Pregnancy
Weights and Measures