thromboplastin and Diseases-in-Twins

The authors describe the case of gastroschisis and Dandy-Walker syndrome of the surviving fetus after the intra-uterine co-twin demise in a monochorionic twin pregnancy.

Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adult; Dandy-Walker Syndrome; Diseases in Twins; Female; Fetal Death; Fetus; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Thromboplastin; Twins, Monozygotic; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

Monozygotic twinning has been associated with a variety of vascular disruptive defects including congenital hydranencephaly/porencephaly. Data involving 24 cases of congenital hydranencephaly/porencephaly associated with twinning are reported. In these cases, the finding of a preponderance of monozygotic twins and the common association of a deceased co-twin support the hypothesis of a vascular disruptive etiology. These defects are presumed to be secondary to embolic phenomena or thromboplastin release from the deceased co-twin to the survivor via the vascular interconnections of a conjoined monochorionic placenta. In all cases of hydranencephaly/porencephaly, a careful examination of the placenta and membranes for evidence of a deceased co-twin is warranted prior to providing recurrence risk counseling.

Topics: Anencephaly; Brain; Diseases in Twins; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation; Embolism; Female; Fetal Death; Humans; Hydranencephaly; Infant, Newborn; Male; Placenta; Pregnancy; Thromboplastin; Twins; Twins, Monozygotic