Received 19 January 2008; received in revised form 21 February 2008; accepted 21 February 2008. published online 25 April 2008.
Objective
To report the rare occurrence of dichorionic diamniotic twins with dissimilar aneuploidies.
Design
Case report.
Setting
District general hospital.
Patient(s)
A 36-year-old woman conceived by in vitro fertilization. Dichorionic diamniotic twins were found to have elevated nuchal translucencies and cystic hygromas. Intrauterine deaths occurred at 13 and 17 weeks gestation.
Intervention(s)
Medical termination of pregnancy.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Karyotypes.
Result(s)
Cytogenetic studies confirmed Edward's and Patau's syndromes.
Conclusion(s)
The aetiology is unknown but maternal age and in vitro fertilization may be linked since the incidence of aneuploidy rises with maternal age and the incidence of twins' increases with assisted reproductive techniques. This case highlights the need for obstetricians to have good communication and counselling skills.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Furness General Hospital, Barrow in Furness, United Kingdom
Reprint requests: Dr. Nadine Massiah, Specialist Registrar, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Furness General Hospital, Barrow in Furness, United Kingdom LA14 4LF (FAX: +441229491284).
N.M. has nothing to disclose. E.G. has nothing to disclose. V.B. has nothing to disclose.
ABSTRACT