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Twin fetuses: intravascular microbubble US contrast agent administration--early experience
M L Denbow1, A W Welsh, M J Taylor
1Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Radiology
|March 14, 2000
Summary
This study explored using SH U 508A microbubbles in twin pregnancies to detect interfetal transfusion. Results suggest microbubbles can confirm transfusion but not map placental vasculature.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Diagnostic imaging
- Perinatology
Background:
- Monochorionic twins are at risk for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
- Accurate diagnosis of interfetal transfusion and placental angioarchitecture is crucial for managing TTTS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using SH U 508A microbubbles via a single-needle ultrasonography (US) procedure.
- To confirm interfetal transfusion in monochorionic twins.
- To delineate placental angioarchitecture in TTTS pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen twin pregnancies were studied.
- SH U 508A was injected into one twin's intrahepatic vein.
- Power Doppler signals in the contralateral twin were analyzed for echo enhancement.
Main Results:
- Contralateral twin echo enhancement, indicating transfusion, was observed in 4 of 9 monochorionic twins.
- No echo enhancement was detected in dichorionic twin pregnancies.
- The procedure showed no evidence of fetal compromise.
Conclusions:
- Microbubbles (SH U 508A) show potential for demonstrating interfetal transfusion in twin pregnancies.
- This method was not effective for delineating placental vascular anatomy.