[Anatomo-clinical aspects of papyraceus fetus syndrome]

Three cases of twin pregnancies where one of the twins died in the second trimester of the pregnancy are described together with a review of the literature. This pathological condition is found in 1/12,000 births according to the figures reported by Ottolenghi-Preti; but in our series presented as a complication of pregnancy in 1/2,500 deliveries. When there are vascular connections between the dead twin and the survivor in cases of monovular twin pregnancy it is possible that cerebral, renal and skin lesions can occur in the surviving twin; as often as not without any maternal complication. The management of the surviving twin depends therefore on the type of placenta that exists. This can only be determined if an early ultrasound is taken in the first trimester of the pregnancy.