A case of acardiac acephalus: Variant of trap sequence

Abstract

The incidences of twin gestation and higher order multi-fetal pregnancies are on increasing trend. There are increased use of ovulation induction drugs and assisted reproductive technology in this era owing to higher incidences of infertility and better diagnostics and treatment modalities. And with increased use of these methods, comes increased incidence of complications. Incidences of complications are more in monozygotic pregnancies than in dizygotic twin. Acardiac twin is a rare, severe congenital malformation seen in monozygotic twin gestation, which is incompatible with life. Acardiac twin, also known as TRAP (Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence); results from abnormal placental vasculature.Early diagnosis of acardiac twin by ultrasonography and colordoppler is essential for timely management and preventing complications like preterm delivery, cardiac failure and intrauterine fetal death of ‘ pump’co-twin. Here we are reporting a case of an antenatally diagnosed mono-chorionic twin pregnancy with acardiac twin, which was managed conservatively. Proper monitoring and timely decision for terminationresulted in preterm delivery of a live, normal twin along with an acardiac co-twin.