First trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in a trichorionic quadruplet pregnancy--a diagnostic challenge.

We report the prenatal diagnosis of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTS) at 11 weeks' gestation. The diagnosis was made in a trichorionic quadruplet pregnancy which was conceived after in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection for male subfertility and transfer of 3 embryos. Growth discordance, oligo/polyhydramnios and abnormal arterial and venous Doppler flows were demonstrated in 2 monochorionic fetuses, while the remaining 2 dichorionic fetuses were unremarkable. Selective fetocide of the donor by intracardiac injection of potassium chloride was followed by the spontaneous demise of the recipient. The pregnancy course remained uneventful until 32 weeks of gestation when the patient developed preterm labor. Two healthy preterm babies were delivered by cesarean section. The diagnostic problems of this early manifestation of TTS are discussed. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel