Am J Perinatol 1996; 13(6): 347-350
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994354
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Midtrimester Genetic Amniocentesis of a Twin Gestation Complicated by Immediate Severe Fetal Bradycardia with Subsequent Associated Fetal Anomalies

David M. Sherer, Carolyn M. Salafia
  • Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Perinatology Research Facility, Intramural Division NICHD, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

We present an unusual complication of midtrimester genetic amniocentesis of a monochorionic twin gestation in which prolonged fetal bradycardia of 60 to 80 beats per minute sustained over two hours was associated with multiple subsequent fetal anomalies. These included: microcephaly, bilateral closed-lip schizencephaly, duodenal atresia, and complete paresis of the left upper extremity. Etiology of the fetal bradycardia was unclear. Fetal hemorrhage was not visualized despite targeted, continued real-time ultrasonography and was therefore considered an unlikely etiology. Although the bradycardia and associated hypoperfusion could alone explain the fetal outcome, destabilization of hemodynamics of a communicating vessel, resulting in a possible (although unproven) acute twin-twin transfusion induced at the time of amniocentesis due to decreased intra-amniotic pressure in association with a velamentous umbilical cord insertion could have led to this unusual occurrence.