The acardiac twin. A case report

Abstract

The acardiac twin is a rare consequence of monozygotic twinning and occurs in 1 per 35,000 deliveries. One percent of all monozygotic twins is affected. Prenatal diagnosis is possible with ultrasonography. Complications associated with the presence of an acardiac twin include sequelae from the twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, polyhydramnios, dystocia, ruptured uterus and congestive heart failure in the normal twin. In utero fetal therapy is possible in some instances.