[The case of an acardiac headless twin, review of the literature]

J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 2007 May;36(3):293-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2007.02.004. Epub 2007 Mar 23.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Monochorial twin pregnancies are characterized by the presence of vascular connections between the twins. These connections can be at the origin of pathologies such as the transfused/transfuser syndrome or the TRAP syndrome which is defined as the association of a headless, acardiac twin with a healthy twin, which is the subject we will study and then review the literature.

The clinical case: The case of an acardiac, headless twin which was not diagnosed during pregnancy and was discovered at birth.

Discussion and conclusion: The TRAP syndrome is a very rare phenomenon. Yet, it is crucial to diagnose it as early as possible during pregnancy so as to offer adequate supervision. It is associated to a high death rate in the healthy twin caused by anemia and heart failure. There are therapeutic means to stop vascular anostomoses between the twins so as to perform a selective feticide.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diseases in Twins / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Fetus / abnormalities*
  • Head / abnormalities*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Syndrome
  • Twins, Monozygotic*