Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence: A Rare Entity

We report a case of a primigravida, who came for routine antenatal checkup to our hospital at 31 weeks gestational age. Ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging revealed twin monochorionic intrauterine pregnancy with a viable, normal-appearing first twin and amorphous structured second twin connected by umbilical vessels. The patient was monitored with weekly ultrasonography, echocardiography, and Doppler ultrasound examination to ascertain the well-being of the pump twin. She delivered successfully at term a normal live baby and an acardius acephalus fetus. Plain X-ray of the acardius acephalus fetus confirmed the absence of cephalic structures. The perinatal mortality of the pump twin ranges from 35 to 55%; hence, it is essential to diagnose the presence of a pump twin at an early gestational age through improved imaging techniques, so that intervention can be planned early in the pregnancy for a better outcome of the pump twin.
Source: Journal of Clinical Imaging Science - Category: Radiology Authors: Source Type: research