CLINICAL ACTIONS:

Twin pregnancies are followed more closely than singleton pregnancies due to higher risk for complications such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome, selective fetal growth restriction, and preterm labor. Ultrasound is a non-invasive and highly useful tool for screening, diagnosis, and guiding management of these potential complications. Ultrasound monitoring protocols vary between different types of twin pregnancies.

Zygosity, Chorionicity and Amniosity

• Zygosity: Describes genetic origin of twins 
  • Dizygotic twins: Both twins originate from a separate oocyte and each oocyte is fertilized by its own spermatocyte
    • Will always be dichorionic and diamniotic
  • Monozygotic twins: Both twins develop from a single zygote which then cleaves to form two embryos
• The timing of cleavage will determine chorionicity and amniosity of monozygotic twins
  • Approximately 2/3 monochorionic/diamniotic | 1/3 dichorionic/diamniotic | 1to 2% monochorionic/monoamniotic  
• Chorionicity determines follow up based on risks for adverse events

Caption: Image by Kevin Dufendach, MD (2008). Used by permission. CC BY 3.0

Dating

• Ideal timing: Between 11w0d and 13w6d (45 and 84 mm)
  • Use CRL of the larger twin in spontaneously conceived twins
  • Use oocyte retrieval date or embryonic age from fertilization for twins conceived via IVF
• Note: If a woman presents beyond14 weeks gestational age then use head circumference of the larger twin (ISUOG)

Chorionicity

• Ideal timing: <13w6d based on membrane thickness and insertion
• Dichorionic
  • Lambda (aka delta or twin peak) sign: Indicates dichorionic twins with thickening at membrane insertion site
  • 2 distinct placental masses
  • Discordant sex signifies dichorionic, diamniotic (and dizygotic) twins
• Monochorionic
  • T sign: Indicates monochorionic twins, with thin membrane and absence of thickening at membrane insertion site
• Note: A single placental mass does not rule out dichorionic twins

Lambda or Delta Sign Indicating Dichorionic Twins

T Sign Indicating Monochorionic Twins

Monitoring

Uncomplicated monochorionic twin pregnancy

• First trimester: Dating and chorionicity (see above)
• 16 weeks and 18 weeks
  • Fetal growth, Deepest vertical pocket (DVP) | Umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA-PI)
• 20 weeks
  • Detailed anatomy | Biometry | DVP | Middle cerebral artery peak systolic volume (MCV-PSV) | Cervical length
• 22 weeks and then q2 weeks until delivery
  • Fetal growth, DVP, UA-PI, MCA-PSV

Uncomplicated dichorionic twin pregnancy

• First trimester: Dating and chorionicity (see above)
• 20-22 weeks: Detailed anatomy | Biometry | Amniotic fluid volume (AFV) | Cervical length
• 24 weeks and then q4 weeks until delivery: Fetal growth | AFV

Note: ISUOG guidelines do include umbilical artery Doppler monitoring as part of routine surveillance | ACOG/ SMFM does not consider evidence to be sufficient for umbilical artery Doppler or antepartum testing in the case of uncomplicated dichorionic twins

SYNOPSIS:

Most twin pregnancies will have good outcomes. However, diligence is required, especially in the case of monochorionic twins due to risk for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS). Monochorionic twins may have potentially significant vascular anastomoses such that the twins share a common vasculature. Significant risks for dichorionic twins include preterm labor, medical complications due to increased placental mass (e.g., preeclampsia and GDM) and selective growth restriction. Different centers will have different protocols for labeling twin A vs twin B. The important point to remember is to be consistent with labeling.

KEY POINTS:

TTTS

• 10 to 15% of monochorionic twins | 90% fetal demise if untreated
• Diagnosis; AFV fluid imbalance noted on ultrasound
  • ‘Donor’ has oligohydramnios (DVP of < 2 cm) | ‘Recipient’ has polyhydramnios (DVP > 8 cm)

TAPS

• Can occur spontaneously in approximately 5% of monochorionic diamniotic twins
• Result of small AV anastomoses that leads to transfusion of blood from donor to recipient twin
  • At birth, anemia in donor and polycythemia in the recipient
• Prenatal diagnosis based on MCA Doppler
  • Donor MCA‐PSV > 1.5 MoM | Recipient MCA‐PSV < 1.0 MoM

When to Deliver (ACOG/SMFM)

• Multiple gestation – uncomplicated
  • Di-di twins: 38w0d – 38w6d
  • Mono-di twins: 34w0d – 37w6d
  • Mono-mono twins: 32w0d – 34w0d
  • Note: Triplets and higher: Individualize
• Multiple gestation – complicated by isolated FGR
  • Di-di twins: 36w0d-37w6d
  • Mono-di twins: 32w0d-34w6d
  • Note: If concurrent condition: Individualize

When to Refer

• Monochorionic/ Monoamniotic twins
• Growth discordance: Defined as EFW discordance is ≥ 20% (ACOG)
  • Calculation: Difference in the estimated fetal weight between the two fetuses/ divided by the weight of the larger fetus
  • ISUOG uses a 25% cut-off
• Any findings on ultrasound that are of concern

Primary Sources – Learn More:

ISUOG Practice Guidelines: role of ultrasound in twin pregnancy

ACOG/ SMFM Practice Bulletin 169: Multifetal Gestations: Twin, Triplet, and Higher-Order Multifetal Pregnancies

Locate a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist

Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist Locator-SMFM

Related ObG Topics: