Uncomplicated Monochorionic Twins: Two Normal Hearts Sharing One Placenta

• Main Authors: Ximena Torres, Mar Bennasar, Laura García-Otero, Raigam J. Martínez-Portilla, Brenda Valenzuela-Alcaraz, Fátima Crispi, Anna Goncé, Eduard Gratacós, Francesc Figueras, Josep M. Martínez
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-11-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical Medicine
• Subjects: uncomplicated monochorionic twins; fetal echocardiography; cardiac adaptation; cardiac function; cardiac shape; B-type natriuretic peptide
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/11/3602

Cardiovascular dysfunction has been reported in complicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies; however, little is known whether hemodynamic changes occur in uncomplicated MCDA twins. A prospective observational study was conducted including 100 uncomplicated MCDA twins matched by gestational age to 200 low-risk singletons. Echocardiography was performed at 26–30 weeks gestation and cord blood B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was measured at delivery. In both groups, z-scores for echocardiographic parameters were within normal ranges; however the monochorionic group had larger atrial areas (mean (standard deviation) right atria-to-heart ratio: 17.0 (2) vs. 15.9 (1); <i>p</i> = 0.018; left atria-to-heart ratio: 17.0 (3) vs. 15.8 (2); <i>p</i> < 0.001) and signs of concentric hypertrophy (right relative wall thickness: 0.66 (0.12) vs. 0.56 (0.11); <i>p</i> < 0.001; left relative wall thickness: 0.69 (0.14) vs. 0.58 (0.12); <i>p</i> < 0.001). Longitudinal function was increased in twins, leading to higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (6.9 mm (0.9) vs. 5.9 mm (0.7); <i>p</i> < 0.001) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (4.9 mm (0.8) vs. 4.4 mm (1.1); <i>p</i> < 0.001. BNP levels at birth were also higher in MCDA twins (median [interquartile range]: 20.81 pg/mL [16.69–34.01] vs. 13.14 pg/mL [9.17–19.84]; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Thus, uncomplicated MCDA fetuses have normal cardiac shape and function, but signs of cardiac adaptation were identified by echocardiographic and biochemical parameters, when compared with singletons.