Early 2nd trimester fetal demise in a monochorionic twin pregnancy: A cautionary tale. Issue 2 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walsh, Colin A
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal of ultrasound in medicine. Volume 18:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: fetal demise -- monochorionic -- MRI -- twin; Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; Ultrasonic imaging -- Periodicals; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonics in medicine; Periodicals; 616.075430
• DOI: 10.1002/j.2205-0140.2015.tb00046.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1836-6864

Abstract

Abstract: It is well established that the death of one fetus in a monochorionic twin pregnancy places the surviving twin at significant risk for neuro‐developmental delay or death. Although the early 1st trimester "vanishing twin" has not traditionally been considered a major risk, the precise gestational threshold beyond which a surviving twin is at risk remains uncertain. Most experts recommend serial ultrasounds and fetal MRI in the survivor, to look for evidence of ischaemic brain injury. We present a case of early monochorionic twin demise at 14–16 weeks, with evolving ventriculomegaly and ischaemic changes on fetal MRI in the co‐twin, leading to termination of pregnancy at 28 weeks.