Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence in a Dichorionic Twin Pregnancy Leading to Severe Cerebral Injury in the Recipient

Abstract

Twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is a form of chronic imbalanced feto-fetal transfusion through minuscule placental anastomoses leading to anemia in the TAPS donor and polycythemia in the TAPS recipient and has been reported only in monochorionic twins. We report a very unusual case of TAPS which developed in a dichorionic twin pair, born at a gestational age of 33⁺². Twin 1 (recipient) was polycythemic and had a hemoglobin value of 22.4 g/dL, whereas twin 2 (donor) was anemic with a hemoglobin value of 9.8 g/dL and an increased reticulocyte count (72‰). Color dye injection of the placenta revealed the presence of a deep-hidden small veno-venous anastomosis. Dichorionicity was confirmed on histologic examination. Aside from respiratory distress syndrome, the donor twin had an uncomplicated neonatal course. The recipient twin developed a post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation requiring treatment with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and Rickham reservoir. This report shows that in dichorionic twins, placental anastomoses can be present, which can lead to the development of TAPS with severe consequences. Therefore, when a pale and plethoric dichorionic twin pair is born, a complete diagnostic work-up is required, including a full blood count with reticulocytes and placental injection, to investigate the presence and nature of potential underlying feto-fetal transfusion. Once the diagnosis of TAPS has been established, cerebral ultrasound, hearing screening, and long-term follow-up are strongly recommended as these twins have increased risk for severe cerebral injury, hearing loss, and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment.