ABSTRACT
A case of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is described. Comparing data of serial antepartum ultrasonography with a haemodynamic model suggests the possibility of predicting the underlying placental vascular anatomy. It is suggested that serial ultrasonography, including full biometry, pulsatility indices of the umbilical arteries, foetal echocardiography, assessment of amniotic fluid indices and foetal bladder filling could serve as ultrasound parameters for pattern recognition of the underlying placental vascular anomaly. Biometry should be plotted serially in a difference/average plot. Future application of such intensive ultrasound monitoring in monochorionic twins, as soon as monochorionicity is established, may distinguish those monochorionic twins who may benefit from treatment from those whom it would be better only to observe.
Subject(s)
Fetofetal Transfusion/diagnostic imaging , Placenta/blood supply , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Adult , Arteriovenous Anastomosis , Female , Fetofetal Transfusion/physiopathology , Hemodynamics , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Models, Cardiovascular , Placenta/diagnostic imaging , PregnancyABSTRACT
Chronic respiratory symptoms in children are often caused by asthma. In this paper we present two children with chronic respiratory symptoms, which we first attributed to asthma. Since the presence of symptoms were not in agreement with asthma and because the children did not respond to asthma therapy, another cause of chronic lung disease was suspected. An open lung biopsy was performed. Histological diagnosis in both patients was an interstitial pneumonia. Differential diagnosis between interstitial pneumonia and asthma can be difficult, however there is a difference in symptomatology between these two diseases. Symptoms which may indicate the presence of another chronic lung disease than asthma are: absence of symptom-free periods, persistence of impaired exercise tolerance, hemoptysis, recurrent auscultation of crackles during symptomatic periods and digital clubbing.
