Cardiac Manifestations of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Twin Res Hum Genet. 2016 Jun;19(3):246-54. doi: 10.1017/thg.2016.20. Epub 2016 Apr 18.

Abstract

This review addresses the physiology of monochorionic diamniotic (MC/DA) twins and the potential for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). It focuses on the underlying cardiovascular pathophysiology of TTTS and the cardiovascular impact of TTTS for both the recipient and the donor twin. It explains the principles for assessment and monitoring of these cardiovascular changes and how these may be used to guide pregnancy management. Finally, it describes the effect of treatment on the altered hemodynamics and how this can influence pregnancy and perinatal management, as well as longer-term follow-up.

Keywords: cardiac function; cardiomyopathy; monochorionic twins; outflow tract obstruction; twin–twin transfusion syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / blood
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / epidemiology
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / physiopathology*
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / blood
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy, Twin*
  • Twins, Monozygotic