Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Guide Wire Assisted Catheterization and Colored Dye Injection for Vascular Mapping of Monochorionic Twin Placentas
Published on: September 5, 2011
[Simultaneous supraventricular tachycardia in twin premature newborns of a monochorionic pregnancy]
Abstract:
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common pediatric arrhythmia. SVT occurs more frequently in infants under 1 year of age, most of whom have structurally normal hearts. Pejorative predisposing factors such as congenital heart disease exist in only a few patients. In patients with a healthy heart, SVT is due to re-entry via an accessory pathway. Some articles describe occurrence of SVT in 1 of the fetuses or newborns from multiple gestation pregnancies, but few cases report simultaneous start of SVT in twins. This observation describes simultaneous occurrence of SVT in both premature infants from a monochorionic twin gestation. Successful emergency treatment consisted in physical maneuvers increasing vagal activity. The twin neonates then received a prolonged anti-arrhythmic amiodarone treatment. Both of their electrocardiograms were normal, without Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome. Both of their echocardiography results showed aneurysms of the atrial septum. At 6 months of age, SVT had not recurred. This case describes an original presentation of simultaneous SVT in twins and highlights the efficacy of vagal maneuvers to manage stable patients. We discuss the existence of benign predisposing heart structural abnormalities.
More Related Videos
09:51Model Surgical Training: Skills Acquisition in Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation of Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Placenta Using Realistic Simulators
Published on: March 21, 2018
09:52Accurate and Simple Evaluation of Vascular Anastomoses in Monochorionic Placenta using Colored Dye
Published on: September 5, 2011
Related Concept Videos
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Increased pulse rate
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...