Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
09:52
Accurate and Simple Evaluation of Vascular Anastomoses in Monochorionic Placenta using Colored Dye
Published on: September 5, 2011
[Newborn twins with colour difference]
Angelo B Hooker1, Reinhard Maas
1Sint Lucas Andreas Ziekenhuis, afd. Gynaecologie, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. a.b.hooker@hotmail.com
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|May 4, 2012
Summary
Twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence, a rare form of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, occurred in monochorionic twins due to placental vascular connections. This condition presented with distinct blood differences between the infants post-delivery.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Neonatology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Monochorionic diamniotic twins share a placenta, increasing risks of vascular anastomoses.
- Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) involves abnormal blood flow between fetuses.
- Acute and atypical forms of TTTS require specific diagnostic considerations.
Observation:
- Post-delivery, neonates presented with noticeable skin color discrepancies.
- Hematological analysis revealed a significant anemia-polycythemia sequence between the twins.
- The underlying cause identified was arterio-venous anastomoses within the shared placenta.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation was diagnosed as twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence (TAPS).
- TAPS represents an acute and atypical manifestation of TTTS.
- Placental vascular shunts directly led to the observed hematological disparities.
Implications:
- Early recognition of TAPS is crucial for timely intervention in affected neonates.
- Understanding placental anatomy is vital for diagnosing and managing twin pregnancy complications.
- This case highlights the spectrum of twin vascular disorders and their impact on neonatal outcomes.
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