[Acardius--prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy in 2 twin pregnancies]

The development of acardiac monsters had been observed in less than 200 cases. Antenatal diagnosis can be performed in the 2nd trimenon. We report about two twin pregnancies with acardius acephalus. In one case the beginning of cardiac failure was detected by ultrasound in the 28th week. Transplacental treatment of the fetus with beta-acetyldigoxine was successful during a period of seven weeks. In both cases delivery was performed in the 35. and 36. week of gestation--the twins are still alive.