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Twin reversed arterial perfusion

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare and severe complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies, characterized by the development of an acardiac twin that lacks a functional heart and receives its blood supply in reverse from the healthy pump twin via vascular anastomoses in the shared placenta.^[1] This abnormal perfusion leads to the acardiac twin exhibiting malformed structures, often without a head or upper body (acephalic), while placing significant circulatory burden on the pump twin.^[2] The condition arises early in gestation due to imbalances in blood flow through the placental connections, disrupting normal cardiac development in the affected twin.^[3] TRAP sequence occurs in approximately 1% of monochorionic twin pregnancies, translating to an overall incidence of about 1 in 35,000 pregnancies.^[2] The pathophysiology involves retrograde arterial flow from the pump twin's umbilical artery to the acardiac twin's umbilical artery, followed by venous return of deoxygenated blood back to the pump twin, which can overload the pump twin's heart.^[1] This high-output cardiac state in the pump twin increases risks of congestive heart failure, hydrops fetalis, polyhydramnios, and preterm delivery, with untreated perinatal mortality rates for the pump twin reaching up to 55%.^[3] The acardiac twin is typically non-viable and may present with varying degrees of dysmorphology, such as edema, cystic hygroma, or incomplete organ formation.^[2] Diagnosis is usually established prenatally through ultrasound imaging as early as 11 weeks of gestation, revealing monochorionic twinning with an amorphous or malformed acardiac mass and color Doppler confirmation of reversed blood flow in the umbilical cord.^[1] Advanced imaging, such as fetal echocardiography, assesses the pump twin's cardiac function for signs of strain.^[3] Management options depend on gestational age and acardiac twin size relative to the pump twin; conservative monitoring is considered for small acardiac twins (under 30% of pump twin size), but interventional procedures like radiofrequency ablation or laser coagulation of the acardiac twin's umbilical cord are recommended for larger cases to interrupt abnormal perfusion and improve pump twin survival rates to over 80-90%.^[2] These treatments, often performed between 16 and 26 weeks, carry risks such as preterm labor or procedure-related complications but are critical for optimizing outcomes in this high-risk condition.^[1]

Overview

Definition and characteristics

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies, characterized by the presence of vascular anastomoses in the shared placenta that result in reversed arterial blood flow from one twin to the other. In this condition, a structurally normal twin, termed the pump twin, supplies deoxygenated blood retrogradely to its co-twin, the acardiac twin, which lacks functional cardiac structures and relies entirely on this perfusion for survival. This form of twin-twin transfusion differs from other monochorionic complications due to the specific absence or rudimentary development of the heart in the recipient twin, leading to its non-viable state.^[4]^[1] The core physiological hallmark of TRAP involves retrograde flow through the acardiac twin's umbilical artery, delivering poorly oxygenated blood that contributes to the underdevelopment or malformation of its body parts, particularly in the upper regions, while lower extremities may show relatively better formation. The pump twin assumes the hemodynamic burden of supporting both circulations, often through a hyperdynamic state. Anatomically, TRAP occurs in monochorionic pregnancies, which are usually diamniotic but occasionally monoamniotic, where artery-to-artery anastomoses on the placental surface facilitate the reversed perfusion, bypassing normal venous return in the acardiac twin.^[5]^[4]^[1] Historically, the condition has been recognized as acardiac twinning since its first description in the 16th century by Benedetti, with subsequent reports in medical literature associating it with monochorionic gestations. The term "twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence" emerged in the 20th century to encapsulate the vascular mechanism, with detailed pathophysiology elucidated by Van Allen et al. in 1983.^[1]

Incidence and risk factors

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare complication occurring in approximately 1% of monochorionic twin pregnancies and 1 in 35,000 overall pregnancies.^[2]^[6] Some studies report a slightly higher rate of up to 2.6% among monochorionic twins, potentially reflecting improved detection with advanced imaging.^[7] Monochorionic twins, which arise exclusively from monozygotic pregnancies, represent about 20% of all twin gestations.^[8] TRAP is confined to monozygotic twins with monochorionic placentation, resulting from abnormal vascular anastomoses that develop early in embryogenesis, typically around weeks 8-10 of gestation when cardiac and vascular structures are forming.^[9] No strong associations exist with maternal age, ethnicity, or other demographic factors, and the condition appears indiscriminate across populations.^[2]^[10] Epidemiological data from registries such as EUROCAT indicate a low prevalence of about 0.064 per 10,000 births in Europe, underscoring TRAP's rarity, though this may underestimate true incidence due to early fetal losses.^[9] A slight female predominance has been noted in acardiac twins, with sex ratios lower than the expected 1:1 for monozygotic pairs.^[11] Underdiagnosis is particularly prevalent in low-resource settings, where access to routine prenatal ultrasound screening is limited, leading to missed cases until later gestation or delivery.^[9]

Pathophysiology

Vascular mechanism

In twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, the core vascular mechanism arises from artery-to-artery anastomoses within the shared monochorionic placenta of monozygotic twins, enabling abnormal retrograde blood flow from the structurally normal pump twin to the acardiac twin.^[1] These superficial placental anastomoses connect the umbilical arteries of both twins directly, bypassing the typical capillary networks and allowing high-pressure arterial blood from the pump twin to enter the acardiac twin's circulation in a reversed direction.^[12] This configuration results in the acardiac twin, which lacks a functional heart, being entirely dependent on the pump twin for perfusion, with blood entering via the acardiac's umbilical artery and flowing caudally to cranially along its aorta.^[13] The blood flow dynamics in TRAP are characterized by the pump twin's ventricle propelling oxygenated blood from its lungs and deoxygenated blood from its lower body into the shared placental circulation, where the anastomosis directs a significant portion of deoxygenated, high-pressure blood retrograde into the acardiac twin's arterial system.^[1] This leads to the acardiac twin receiving predominantly hypoxic blood, as the flow favors arterial input over venous return, causing systemic hypoxia and inadequate organ oxygenation without the benefit of pulmonary circulation.^[12] Consequently, a significant portion of the pump twin's cardiac output may be shunted to the acardiac twin, increasing the pump twin's hemodynamic burden and risking volume overload or heart failure.^[13] The unequal shunting is driven by pressure gradients, with the pump twin's higher arterial pressure overcoming resistance in the anastomosis to favor flow toward the low-resistance acardiac vasculature.^[1] Placental pathology in TRAP typically involves a monochorionic placenta with prominent, large-caliber artery-to-artery anastomoses that are often superficial and lack intervening chorionic villi, facilitating direct vascular communication between the twins.^[12] The acardiac twin's umbilical cord frequently contains a single artery, which connects to these anastomoses, and histological examination reveals dilated, thin-walled vessels in the acardiac's placental share without developed capillary beds, contributing to inefficient gas exchange and nutrient delivery.^[1] These features underscore the early embryologic vascular imbalance that perpetuates the reversed perfusion.^[13] Theoretical models of TRAP hemodynamics, such as those proposed by van Gemert and colleagues, conceptualize the condition through fetoplacental resistance networks, where unequal vascular development during embryonic splitting leads to dominant flow through the artery-to-artery anastomosis.^[1] These models emphasize flow resistance governed by principles like Poiseuille's law, in which vessel diameter and length determine shunting magnitude, with larger pump twin umbilical veins relative to the acardiac predicting worse outcomes due to lower resistance favoring excessive diversion.^[12] Such frameworks highlight the mechanical basis of perfusion reversal without invoking genetic factors alone.^[13]

Development of affected twins

In twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, the embryonic origins of the affected twins stem from monochorionic twin pregnancies where vascular anastomoses lead to reversed blood flow, causing the acardiac twin to receive deoxygenated blood from the pump twin via an arterio-arterial anastomosis. This inadequate perfusion disrupts normal cardiac development in the acardiac twin around week 8 of gestation, resulting in failure of the cardiac primordia and absence of a functional heart, while the pump twin initially develops normally but subsequently experiences volume overload from shunting blood to both fetuses.^[14]^[2] The acardiac twin progresses through distinct developmental stages influenced by the retrograde, low-oxygen perfusion. It often begins as an amorphous mass of undifferentiated tissue lacking recognizable structures, then evolves into more defined forms such as acephalic (characterized by absence of head and upper body but presence of pelvis and lower limbs) or anceps (with partial cranial and thoracic development alongside limbs). The lower body tends to be more developed than the upper due to gravity-dependent blood flow, which preferentially supplies dependent regions with the limited venous return.^[14]^[15] The pump twin undergoes adaptive changes to compensate for the chronic hemodynamic burden of perfusing the acardiac twin, including compensatory cardiac hypertrophy and increased cardiac output to manage the shunted volume. However, if the acardiac twin's mass exceeds 30% of the pump twin's size, this can precipitate high-output cardiac failure in the pump twin due to sustained hyperdynamic circulation.^[14]^[15] Both twins in TRAP sequence are monozygotic, sharing identical genetic material with no inherent chromosomal differences contributing to the condition. Rare cases of mosaicism have been reported, but these are not considered causative of the perfusion anomaly.^[16]^[14]

Clinical presentation

Features of the pump twin

The pump twin in twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence experiences significant physiological strain due to the parasitic vascular connection with the acardiac twin, which diverts a portion of its cardiac output through placental arterio-arterial anastomoses. This results in a high-output cardiac state, where the pump twin's heart must compensate for the hemodynamic burden of perfusing both itself and the acardiac twin. Common cardiac manifestations include cardiomegaly, evidenced by an enlarged heart on prenatal imaging, and tricuspid regurgitation arising from volume overload on the right ventricle.^[1] Increased cardiac output, often exceeding normal fetal ranges (e.g., >500 mL/kg/min compared to a typical 425–550 mL/kg/min), further exacerbates this overload, potentially leading to congestive heart failure.^[17] A key monitoring metric for cardiac compromise is the cardiothoracic ratio, with values >0.5 on ultrasound indicating cardiomegaly and heightened risk.^[18] In severe cases, this progression can culminate in hydrops fetalis, characterized by widespread fluid accumulation in the pump twin due to failing cardiac compensation.^[1] Systemic effects on the pump twin extend beyond the cardiovascular system, influenced by the shared monochorionic environment. Polyhydramnios frequently develops, attributed to the acardiac twin's inability to swallow amniotic fluid, leading to excessive accumulation in the shared sac and increasing the risk of preterm labor.^[19] Growth patterns in the pump twin are typically appropriate for gestational age initially, but severe shunting can predispose it to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), particularly if the acardiac twin's relative size imposes greater circulatory demands.^[17] Maternal complications may also arise indirectly, such as mirror syndrome, a rare condition mimicking preeclampsia with maternal edema, hypertension, and pulmonary edema due to the exaggerated fetal hydrops.^[20] Without intervention, postnatal outcomes for the pump twin are guarded, with perinatal mortality rates reaching up to 55% primarily from heart failure, preterm delivery, or associated hypoxia.^[1] The pump twin's survival hinges on the degree of shunting and timely management, contrasting sharply with the invariably fatal prognosis of the acardiac twin.^[21]

Features of the acardiac twin

The acardiac twin in twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a non-viable fetus that lacks a functional heart and depends entirely on retrograde perfusion from its co-twin, the pump twin, leading to profound developmental deficits. This results in a range of severe morphological abnormalities, as the acardiac twin receives deoxygenated blood primarily through its umbilical arteries, which impairs organogenesis and growth.^[1] Acardiac twins are morphologically classified into four types based on the extent of structural development. The most common type is acardius acephalus, comprising 60–75% of cases, featuring no cranial structures, absent or rudimentary thoracic organs and upper limbs, but relatively well-developed pelvis and lower extremities.^[1] Acardius anceps accounts for approximately 10% and includes a rudimentary head and partial upper body development alongside lower structures.^[1] Acardius acormus is rare, representing about 5%, with only the cephalic pole formed and the body shriveled or absent.^[1] Acardius amorphus, seen in around 20% of cases, manifests as an amorphous, undifferentiated mass of tissue lacking identifiable fetal features.^[1] Key organ absences in the acardiac twin include a non-functional or completely absent heart, as well as frequently missing lungs and upper gastrointestinal structures such as the esophagus, often accompanied by gastrointestinal atresia.^[22] Rudimentary hepatic tissue may be present in the abdominal cavity, but other organs like the spleen and gallbladder are typically absent or hypoplastic.^[22] The skin is characteristically edematous, reddish-brown, soft, and prone to peeling, while a single umbilical artery is a common vascular feature.^[23] In terms of size and growth, the acardiac twin is often smaller than the pump twin initially but can exhibit disproportionate enlargement, with an acardiac-to-pump weight ratio exceeding 70% associated with heightened risks such as preterm delivery for the pregnancy.^[1] Due to the lack of a functional central nervous system in most morphological types, the acardiac twin displays no spontaneous movements.^[1] Pathological examination post-delivery typically reveals reversed vascular patterns in the acardiac twin, including arterial blood flow within venous structures and paradoxical circulation sustained by anastomoses from the pump twin.^[1] This disproportionate growth can impose significant cardiovascular strain on the pump twin.^[1]

Diagnosis

Prenatal detection methods

Ultrasound serves as the primary modality for the prenatal detection of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, typically identifying monochorionic twin pregnancies during routine first-trimester screening.^[24] The nuchal translucency scan at 11-14 weeks may reveal monochorionic features, such as a single placental mass or thin dividing membrane, prompting further evaluation for complications like TRAP.^[21] In the second trimester, the detailed anatomy scan often uncovers key indicators, including the absence of cardiac activity in the acardiac twin and morphological anomalies such as anasarca or incomplete cephalic development.^[4] Color and pulsed Doppler ultrasonography provides critical confirmation by demonstrating the pathognomonic reversed arterial blood flow in the umbilical cord of the acardiac twin, where blood moves retrograde from the placenta toward the twin via its umbilical artery.^[25] In the pump twin, Doppler may show elevated peak systolic velocities in the umbilical artery and signs of high-output cardiac strain, such as increased flow across the tricuspid valve, reflecting the hemodynamic burden of shunting.^[15] These vascular patterns distinguish TRAP from other monochorionic complications. Detection of TRAP most commonly occurs between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation with advanced ultrasound techniques, though definitive confirmation often follows at 16-20 weeks as the acardiac twin's features become more pronounced.^[2] Three-dimensional ultrasound enhances visualization of the acardiac twin's amorphous morphology, aiding in early recognition of its underdeveloped structures.^[26] Standard screening protocols for monochorionic twin pregnancies recommend serial ultrasound examinations every two weeks starting from 16 weeks of gestation to monitor for TRAP and other intertwin vascular anomalies, with earlier scans if chorionicity is confirmed in the first trimester.^[27] This surveillance allows for timely detection, as the acardiac twin's growth and lack of heartbeat become evident alongside the pump twin's potential cardiomegaly.^[3]

Confirmatory tests and monitoring

Following initial ultrasound detection of suspected twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, confirmatory testing focuses on verifying the vascular anastomoses and assessing the hemodynamic impact on the pump twin. Fetal echocardiography is essential to evaluate the pump twin's cardiac structure and function, identifying signs of strain such as ventricular hypertrophy, tricuspid regurgitation, or outflow tract obstruction due to increased cardiac output.^[28] This specialized imaging, typically performed by a pediatric cardiologist, also confirms normal cardiac anatomy. Doppler ultrasonography complements echocardiography by quantifying blood flow dynamics, particularly in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) to assess high-output circulation in the pump twin through elevated peak systolic velocity (PSV >1.5 multiples of the median).^[15] Additional Doppler assessments include the umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI) and ductus venosus PI to monitor for signs of cardiac overload or fetal compromise.^[15] These measurements help establish the severity of reversed arterial flow from the pump twin to the acardiac twin via placental arterio-arterial anastomoses.^[28] Advanced imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is employed infrequently when ultrasound is inconclusive, particularly for detailed mapping of placental vascular connections or evaluation of internal structures in the acardiac twin, such as omphalocele or anasarca.^[29] T2-weighted MRI sequences can delineate fluid-filled cavities or soft tissue anomalies in the acardiac twin while confirming normal anatomy in the pump twin.^[30] This modality provides superior soft tissue contrast but is reserved for complex cases due to its cost and limited availability in prenatal settings.^[29] Ongoing monitoring involves serial evaluations to track TRAP progression and pump twin viability, typically weekly from diagnosis. Biophysical profiles assess fetal breathing, movement, tone, and amniotic fluid index (AFI), with scores below 6/10 indicating potential distress.^[28] The acardiac-to-pump twin weight ratio is serially estimated via ultrasound; ratios exceeding 0.7 correlate with increased risk of pump twin heart failure and warrant intensified surveillance.^[31] Non-stress tests (NSTs), monitoring fetal heart rate reactivity, are initiated around 26 weeks gestation in high-risk monochorionic pregnancies like TRAP to detect early signs of hypoxia.^[28] Differential diagnosis requires distinguishing TRAP from other monochorionic twin complications, such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), by confirming absent reversed arterial flow in the acardiac twin's umbilical vessels on Doppler— a hallmark absent in TTTS, which features bidirectional arteriovenous shunting between viable twins.^[32] This vascular pattern verification ensures accurate classification and guides appropriate management.^[28]

Management

Treatment modalities

The management of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence primarily focuses on interrupting the retrograde blood flow from the pump twin to the acardiac twin to alleviate cardiac strain on the pump twin. Treatment options range from expectant management to various invasive ablative and occlusive procedures, selected based on gestational age, acardiac twin size relative to the pump twin, and signs of pump twin compromise such as cardiomegaly or hydrops.^[33] Expectant management is reserved for cases where the acardiac twin is small, typically comprising less than 30% of the pump twin's estimated size, and the pump twin remains hemodynamically stable without evidence of heart failure or polyhydramnios.^[3] This approach involves intensive fetal surveillance through serial ultrasounds to monitor growth, cardiac function, and amniotic fluid levels, but it carries a substantial risk of sudden pump twin demise due to progressive vascular shunting.^[34]^[35] Among invasive interventions, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the acardiac twin's umbilical cord is the most commonly employed technique, involving the insertion of a needle electrode under ultrasound guidance to deliver thermal energy that coagulates the cord vessels and halts perfusion. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 757 cases confirmed RFA as the most technically successful modality, with no significant differences in pump twin survival or major complications across interventions.^[20] RFA demonstrates high technical success rates, typically ranging from 80% to 90%, with reduced procedure times compared to other methods and applicability from around 16 weeks' gestation onward.^[33]^[36]^[37] Bipolar cord coagulation represents another established ablative approach, utilizing fetoscopically guided forceps to cauterize the acardiac twin's umbilical vessels directly, effectively occluding the vascular anastomosis. This method is particularly suitable for earlier gestations and has been associated with pump twin survival rates exceeding 90% in experienced centers.^[38]^[39] Additional modalities include laser photocoagulation, which targets the vascular anastomoses at the placental surface via fetoscopy to selectively ablate the aberrant connections, and mechanical cord occlusion using clips or ligatures to physically interrupt flow. These techniques offer alternatives when RFA is contraindicated, such as in anterior placentation, though they may require more invasive access. Experimental approaches, such as vascular embolization with coils or particles delivered through the acardiac twin's cord, are under investigation but lack widespread adoption due to limited data on efficacy and safety.^[33]^[7]^[40] Procedures are generally performed under local anesthesia to minimize maternal discomfort, with tocolytics administered prophylactically; however, they confer a risk of preterm labor in approximately 10% to 20% of cases, necessitating close postpartum monitoring.^[2]^[6]

Procedural considerations and timing

The optimal timing for interventions in twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is typically between 16 and 26 weeks of gestation, balancing the risks of prematurity with the need to mitigate progressive cardiac strain on the pump twin. Earlier intervention, around 12 to 15 weeks, has been associated with higher survival rates, such as 92% live births when performed before 14+3 weeks, particularly in cases with high-risk features like hydrops fetalis or a large acardiac-to-pump twin weight ratio exceeding 30%. Delaying beyond 18 weeks may increase the risk of intrauterine demise, with one study reporting a 33% loss rate between diagnosis and intervention at that stage.^[1] Techniques for TRAP interventions, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and bipolar cord coagulation, are primarily ultrasound-guided to ensure precise access to the acardiac twin's umbilical cord or intra-fetal structures. In RFA, a 14- or 17-gauge needle is inserted transabdominally under local anesthesia, delivering energy at 40 watts for 5 to 10 minutes (up to 70 watts for 11 minutes in complex cases) until tissue impedance rises, confirming coagulation; the median procedure duration is about 23 minutes. Bipolar coagulation, often performed fetoscopically under general anesthesia, uses 3 mm forceps to occlude vessels with a median operative time of 39 minutes, though it carries a higher risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes due to larger instruments.^[41]^[1]^[42] These procedures are conducted exclusively in specialized fetal medicine centers equipped with advanced ultrasound and fetoscopy capabilities, involving multidisciplinary teams comprising perinatologists, interventional radiologists, and fetal surgeons to optimize outcomes and manage intraoperative challenges.^[41]^[42] Procedure-related complications include preterm delivery or premature rupture of membranes in 9 to 58% of cases, depending on the technique, with lower rates (around 22%) for intra-fetal RFA compared to cord occlusion methods. Infection, such as chorioamnionitis, is rare but associated with fetoscopic approaches, while technical failure necessitating repeat intervention occurs in approximately 13% of intra-fetal ablations versus 35% for cord occlusions.^[1]^[43]

Prognosis

Survival outcomes

In untreated cases of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, the pump twin faces a mortality rate of 50-75%, primarily attributable to high-output cardiac failure resulting from the hemodynamic burden imposed by the acardiac twin.^[34] The acardiac twin exhibits nearly 100% perinatal loss due to its non-viable structural anomalies.^[44] Intervention significantly improves outcomes, with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) achieving pump twin survival rates of 80-90%.^[45] Meta-analyses spanning 2000-2023, including systematic reviews of intrauterine therapies, demonstrate that early detection and timely intervention further enhance these rates, often exceeding 80% overall survival across treated cohorts. A 2025 systematic review over the past 35 years reports a pooled survival rate of 82.6% for pump twins following prenatal interventions compared to 64.5% for expectant management.^[46]^[47]^[48] Key factors influencing successful resolution include an acardiac twin size comprising less than 30% of the pump twin's estimated weight, which correlates with reduced hemodynamic stress and better perinatal outcomes.^[49] The absence of hydrops fetalis in the pump twin at diagnosis also predicts higher survival, as it indicates less severe cardiac compromise.^[49] Additionally, performing treatment at a gestational age greater than 20 weeks minimizes procedural risks while maintaining efficacy.^[50] Registry data from fetal therapy networks, such as the North American Fetal Therapy Network, report approximately 80% intact survival for pump twins following RFA, with similar findings from international centers emphasizing the role of standardized protocols in achieving these results.^[45]

Potential complications and follow-up

In twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, the pump twin faces significant risks of heart failure due to the excessive cardiac workload required to perfuse both twins, with untreated cases associated with approximately 50% mortality from intrauterine congestive heart failure.^[41] Maternal mirror syndrome, a rare complication resembling preeclampsia with edema, hypertension, and pulmonary edema, has been reported in untreated TRAP pregnancies, likely stemming from fetal hydrops and placental dysfunction.^[20] Rare events such as acardiac twin rupture or thromboembolic embolization can also occur, potentially leading to acute hemodynamic instability for the pump twin.^[51] Following interventions like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for TRAP, common post-procedural risks include preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in about 20% of cases, which can precipitate preterm delivery and associated neonatal morbidities.^[52] Fetal demise of the pump twin occurs in roughly 10-15% of treated pregnancies, often linked to procedural complications or underlying cardiac strain.^[1] Neurological injury in survivors may arise from periprocedural hypoxia or prematurity-related issues, though such outcomes are infrequent with modern techniques.^[53] Post-treatment follow-up for the pump twin typically involves serial fetal echocardiography to monitor cardiac function and growth, conducted weekly or biweekly until delivery to detect any residual hydrops or arrhythmia.^[21] Neonatally, evaluation by pediatric cardiology is standard to assess for structural heart defects or persistent dysfunction, often including electrocardiography and echocardiography within the first week of life. Long-term neurodevelopmental screening, using tools like the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, is recommended up to at least age 5 to identify any delays, with studies showing generally favorable outcomes in treated survivors.^[54] Knowledge gaps persist regarding adult outcomes for TRAP pump twin survivors, as most studies as of 2025 focus on childhood neurodevelopment with limited longitudinal data beyond adolescence. Ongoing research explores genetic markers, such as vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms, to better understand TRAP etiology and inform preventive strategies in monochorionic pregnancies.^[55]

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Oct 1, 2015 · Conclusions: The survival rate of TRAP sequence treated with radiofrequency ablation with Cool-tip RF System was 86%. Radiofrequency ablation ...
[37]
Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence | Conditions
The risk of the "pump twin" going into heart failure and dying seems to depend on the size of the acardiac twin. The larger the acardiac twin compared to the ...
[38]
Management of twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence
Aug 3, 2023 · TRAP sequence is a rare condition that affects monochorionic twin pregnancies; the first case was described in 1533. The first reported prenatal ...
[39]
Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence case study
... normal combined cardiac output due to the increased demands placed on the normal twin (pump twin) by the abnormal parabiotic twin. When the volume of the ...
[40]
Microwave ablation for twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence
It results from abnormal placental vascular anastomoses, allowing deoxygenated blood from the pump twin to flow in a retrograde fashion into the acardiac twin.Investigations · Treatment · Outcome And Follow-Up
[41]
Management of twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence - NIH
TRAP sequence is a rare condition that affects monochorionic twin pregnancies; the first case was described in 1533. The first reported prenatal diagnostic ...
[42]
Twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence associated with ... - NIH
In all subjects, the middle cerebral artery (MCA)-PI, combined cardiac output ... TRAP sequence occurs when a normal or 'pump' twin perfuses an acardiac mass ...
[43]
Long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes of the pump twin in ... - NIH
Sep 25, 2021 · The incidence of NDD in children after FLS for TTTS was about 10% in several reports from other countries. , The incidence of NDD in children ...
[44]
Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence Diagnosed Late ... - NIH
Jan 16, 2025 · The TRAP sequence in twin pregnancy is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the formation of a malformed fetus with an absent or ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[45]
Full article: Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence
May 28, 2020 · Chaveeva and colleagues performed a meta-analysis showing an overall survival rate of 80.8% for the pump twin after RFA treatment. Recently, a ...
[46]
Intrafetal laser treatment for twin reversed arterial perfusion ...
May 2, 2013 · The overall neonatal survival was 80%. Adverse pregnancy outcome was significantly lower when the treatment was performed before 16 weeks' ...
[47]
Outcomes of Intrauterine Interventions in Twin Reversed Arterial ...
Aug 7, 2025 · Our results show that the survival rate is higher in patients with TRAP who have a prenatal intervention compared with those who have prenatal ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[48]
Acardiac twin: a systematic review of minimally invasive treatment ...
Aug 14, 2003 · It is a rare condition, occurring with a reported incidence of 1 in 35 000 deliveries, 1 in 100 monozygotic twins and 1 in 30 monozygotic ...Missing: types percentages
[49]
Early vs late intervention in twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence
Aug 1, 2013 · Our study on management of TRAP sequence adds some evidence in favor of prophylactic intervention by intrafetal laser from 12 weeks onward.
[50]
Umbilical-Cord Ligation of an Acardiac Twin by Fetoscopy at 19 ...
Feb 17, 1994 · Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence: a study of 14 twin pregnancies with acardius. ... Twin, acardiac, ultrasound-guided embolization ...
[51]
Twin reverse arterial perfusion: Timing of intervention - ScienceDirect
RFA for TRAP leads to survival in ~80% and PPROM in ~20% of cases; the mean gestational age of delivery is ~33 weeks.
[52]
Long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes of the pump twin in twin ...
Sep 20, 2021 · Objectives. To assess long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for twin reversed arterial perfusion ...
[53]
Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of the pump twin in twin ...
Conclusions: Children who survived after RFA for TRAP sequence showed favorable long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Radiofrequency ablation seems to rarely ...Missing: neurological | Show results with:neurological
[54]
Novel autopsy and genetic findings in an acardiac twin: case report ...
Mar 5, 2024 · Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare complication of monochorionic twinning whereby a donor twin perfuses an acardiac twin ...Missing: incidence | Show results with:incidence<|control11|><|separator|>