Assessment of the peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery in twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Part I: preoperative assessment

Objective

We sought to assess the incidence of an elevated peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA-PSV) in twin-twin transfusion syndrome prior to laser surgery and its prognostic value for intrauterine fetal demise 24 hours after surgery (IUFD-24).

Study Design

An elevated MCA-PSV was defined as a velocity > .5 multiples of the median by transabdominal pulsed Doppler. Gestational age, Quintero stage, and number and/or type of placental vascular anastomoses were assessed as risk factors for an elevated MCA-PSV. Risk of IUFD-24 was assessed relative to an elevated MCA-PSV.

Results

An elevated MCA-PSV was present in 4.2% of donors, 3.2% of recipients (P = .5), and 1.5% of both twins in 189 patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome. An elevated MCA-PSV was unrelated to gestational age, stage, and number or type of anastomoses. An elevated MCA-PSV in the recipient twin was associated with an increased risk of IUFD-24 of this fetus (P = .01).

Conclusions

An elevated MCA-PSV is present in < 5% of donor and recipient twins. An elevated MCA-PSV is a risk factor for IUFD-24 of the recipient twin.

Key words: Doppler ultrasound, fetal anemia, intrauterine fetal demise, laser therapy, twin–twin transfusion syndrome