Vanishing twin: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Vanishing twin | |||
| image = [[File:Fetus_papyraceus.JPG|250px]] | |||
| caption = Fetus papyraceus, a form of vanishing twin | |||
| field = [[Obstetrics]] | |||
| synonyms = Twin embolization syndrome | |||
| symptoms = [[Miscarriage]], [[vaginal bleeding]], [[uterine cramps]] | |||
| complications = [[Preterm birth]], [[cerebral palsy]] in surviving twin | |||
| onset = [[First trimester]] of pregnancy | |||
| duration = Remainder of pregnancy | |||
| causes = [[Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome]], [[chromosomal abnormalities]] | |||
| risks = [[Multiple pregnancy]], [[in vitro fertilization]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Ultrasound]], [[magnetic resonance imaging]] | |||
| differential = [[Miscarriage]], [[blighted ovum]] | |||
| prevention = None | |||
| treatment = Monitoring, supportive care | |||
| prognosis = Generally good for surviving twin | |||
| frequency = Occurs in up to 30% of twin pregnancies | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A phenomenon in which one twin in a multiple pregnancy disappears in the uterus during pregnancy as a result of miscarriage of one twin or multiple.}} | {{Short description|A phenomenon in which one twin in a multiple pregnancy disappears in the uterus during pregnancy as a result of miscarriage of one twin or multiple.}} | ||
A '''vanishing twin''' is a phenomenon that occurs in a [[multiple pregnancy]] when one of the [[fetuses]] dies in the [[uterus]] and is partially or completely reabsorbed by the mother or the surviving twin. This can happen at any time during the pregnancy, but it is most commonly observed in the first trimester. | A '''vanishing twin''' is a phenomenon that occurs in a [[multiple pregnancy]] when one of the [[fetuses]] dies in the [[uterus]] and is partially or completely reabsorbed by the mother or the surviving twin. This can happen at any time during the pregnancy, but it is most commonly observed in the first trimester. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The exact cause of a vanishing twin is not always known, but it is believed to be due to a variety of factors. These can include [[chromosomal abnormalities]], [[placental insufficiency]], or other developmental issues that prevent the twin from surviving. In some cases, the body may naturally reabsorb the tissue of the deceased twin, while in others, the tissue may remain and become compressed, leading to a condition known as [[fetus papyraceus]]. | The exact cause of a vanishing twin is not always known, but it is believed to be due to a variety of factors. These can include [[chromosomal abnormalities]], [[placental insufficiency]], or other developmental issues that prevent the twin from surviving. In some cases, the body may naturally reabsorb the tissue of the deceased twin, while in others, the tissue may remain and become compressed, leading to a condition known as [[fetus papyraceus]]. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of a vanishing twin is often made during a routine [[ultrasound]] examination. Initially, two [[gestational sacs]] or two [[embryos]] may be visible, but in subsequent scans, one may no longer be present. The remaining twin usually continues to develop normally, although there may be some increased risk of complications depending on the timing and cause of the vanishing twin. | The diagnosis of a vanishing twin is often made during a routine [[ultrasound]] examination. Initially, two [[gestational sacs]] or two [[embryos]] may be visible, but in subsequent scans, one may no longer be present. The remaining twin usually continues to develop normally, although there may be some increased risk of complications depending on the timing and cause of the vanishing twin. | ||
==Implications for the surviving twin== | ==Implications for the surviving twin== | ||
In most cases, the surviving twin is not adversely affected by the loss of the co-twin. However, there can be some risks depending on the stage of pregnancy and the cause of the vanishing twin. These risks can include [[preterm birth]], [[low birth weight]], or other complications. It is important for the pregnancy to be monitored closely by healthcare professionals. | In most cases, the surviving twin is not adversely affected by the loss of the co-twin. However, there can be some risks depending on the stage of pregnancy and the cause of the vanishing twin. These risks can include [[preterm birth]], [[low birth weight]], or other complications. It is important for the pregnancy to be monitored closely by healthcare professionals. | ||
==Fetus papyraceus== | ==Fetus papyraceus== | ||
When a twin dies in utero and is not completely reabsorbed, it may become compressed by the growing surviving twin. This results in a flattened, parchment-like appearance known as [[fetus papyraceus]]. This condition is rare and is usually discovered during delivery or through imaging studies. | When a twin dies in utero and is not completely reabsorbed, it may become compressed by the growing surviving twin. This results in a flattened, parchment-like appearance known as [[fetus papyraceus]]. This condition is rare and is usually discovered during delivery or through imaging studies. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Multiple birth]] | * [[Multiple birth]] | ||
* [[Miscarriage]] | * [[Miscarriage]] | ||
* [[Ultrasound]] | * [[Ultrasound]] | ||
* [[Chromosomal abnormality]] | * [[Chromosomal abnormality]] | ||
[[Category:Pregnancy]] | [[Category:Pregnancy]] | ||
[[Category:Twins]] | [[Category:Twins]] | ||
[[Category:Obstetrics]] | [[Category:Obstetrics]] | ||
Revision as of 20:16, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Vanishing twin | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Twin embolization syndrome |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Miscarriage, vaginal bleeding, uterine cramps |
| Complications | Preterm birth, cerebral palsy in surviving twin |
| Onset | First trimester of pregnancy |
| Duration | Remainder of pregnancy |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities |
| Risks | Multiple pregnancy, in vitro fertilization |
| Diagnosis | Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging |
| Differential diagnosis | Miscarriage, blighted ovum |
| Prevention | None |
| Treatment | Monitoring, supportive care |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good for surviving twin |
| Frequency | Occurs in up to 30% of twin pregnancies |
| Deaths | N/A |
A phenomenon in which one twin in a multiple pregnancy disappears in the uterus during pregnancy as a result of miscarriage of one twin or multiple.
A vanishing twin is a phenomenon that occurs in a multiple pregnancy when one of the fetuses dies in the uterus and is partially or completely reabsorbed by the mother or the surviving twin. This can happen at any time during the pregnancy, but it is most commonly observed in the first trimester.
Causes
The exact cause of a vanishing twin is not always known, but it is believed to be due to a variety of factors. These can include chromosomal abnormalities, placental insufficiency, or other developmental issues that prevent the twin from surviving. In some cases, the body may naturally reabsorb the tissue of the deceased twin, while in others, the tissue may remain and become compressed, leading to a condition known as fetus papyraceus.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a vanishing twin is often made during a routine ultrasound examination. Initially, two gestational sacs or two embryos may be visible, but in subsequent scans, one may no longer be present. The remaining twin usually continues to develop normally, although there may be some increased risk of complications depending on the timing and cause of the vanishing twin.
Implications for the surviving twin
In most cases, the surviving twin is not adversely affected by the loss of the co-twin. However, there can be some risks depending on the stage of pregnancy and the cause of the vanishing twin. These risks can include preterm birth, low birth weight, or other complications. It is important for the pregnancy to be monitored closely by healthcare professionals.
Fetus papyraceus
When a twin dies in utero and is not completely reabsorbed, it may become compressed by the growing surviving twin. This results in a flattened, parchment-like appearance known as fetus papyraceus. This condition is rare and is usually discovered during delivery or through imaging studies.
