PURPOSE To report the initial experience in our country with a new technique for twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treatment, using laser to coagulate the placental vessels responsible for the twin transfusion during gestation. METHODS Prospective study of eight cases diagnosed with TTTS evaluated in our service from january 2001 to june 2005. Through percutaneous introduction of a 2,0...

Severe mid-trimester twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTS) complicates about 15% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. If left untreated, the mortality is 80-100%. The pathophysiological prerequisite for the onset of TTS is unequal blood flow via arteriovenous placental anastomoses from the so-called donor to the recipient twin. This can result in hypovolemia, hypotension and oligo- or anuria in th...

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) complicates approximately 1 in 5 of all monochorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancies. If of early onset and untreated, severe TTTS is associated with a dismal prognosis, with perinatal mortality rates exceeding 90%. The most controversial issue regarding the optimal treatment of TTTS has centered on the use of amniocentesis or laser until the first and only r...

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to review the definition of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and the sonographic diagnostic assessment of these cases prior to therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The article addresses the terminology used to refer to the condition and describes the systematic ultrasound assessment of the condition, including the ultrasound diagnosis, the staging of...

Background The maternal and fetal risks of uterine distension in rapidly progressive twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in the setting of prior uterine scar are poorly characterized. Case We present the case of a 42-year-old woman, G4P1201, at 21 weeks gestation with stage-1 TTTS who developed a spontaneous posterior uterine rupture necessitating emergent laparotomy and delivery of previable...

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) affects 10% to 15% of monochorionic pregnancies. In the absences of timely diagnosis and intervention perinatal loss or long term developmental delay can be expected in over 90% of cases. Establishing chorionicity in the first trimester followed by serial ultrasounds beginning at 16 weeks of gestation and intervention with placental laser ablation before th...

Monochorionic twins share a single placenta with intertwin vascular anastomoses, allowing the transfer of blood from one fetus to the other and vice versa. These anastomoses are the essential anatomical substrate for the development of several complications, including twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). TTTS and TAPS are both chronic forms of feto...