Objective To demonstrate that MRI is more advantageous than ultrasound in the
detection of ischemic cerebral lesions precisely in
twin-
twin transfusion syndrome(TTTS)
fetus following fetoscopic selective
laser coagulation(SLCPV).
Methods The
fetus with TTTS treated by SLCPV were collected.All
fetuses underwent
brain MRI within 1-5 days after the
procedure and a follow-up MRI at 29-32 weeks'
gestation.All
fetuses also had frequent ultrasound evaluation until delivery.Results Twenty-five
pregnancies with TTTS were included in the study.Six
pregnancies resulted in
survival of only one
twin after the
procedure(Group A),while the other 19
pregnancies resulted in the
survival of both
twins(Group B),as assessed at the
time of initial MRI.Two
fetus in Group A and three in Group B had evidence of
bleeding in
lateral ventricle.Two
fetus in Group B had actue
brain ischemia.One
fetus in Group B had appeared
brain atrophy and choosed to terminate
pregnancy.Conclusion MRI can make a clearer
diagnosis of cerebral damage of TTTS
fetus in a short period after SLCPV.