Vascular anastomoses in dichorionic diamniotic-fused placentas

Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2003 Oct;22(4):359-61. doi: 10.1097/01.PGP.0000070848.25718.3A.

Abstract

A case of fetal twin-to-twin cytomegalovirus infection through a dichorionic diamniotic (DiDi)-fused placenta prompted our search for possible vascular anastomoses in this type of placenta. This case and three additional DiDi-fused placentas were studied with gross (macro) sections and a three-dimensional (3D) stereomicroscopic technique. Two twins were dizygotic (they differed in gender and blood groups) and the other two were probably monozygotic. Macrosections and 3D-image analysis demonstrated side-to-side connections between small subchorionic vessels. These findings demonstrate that vascular anastomoses are present in DiDi-fused placentas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amnion* / pathology
  • Arteriovenous Anastomosis*
  • Chorion* / pathology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / transmission*
  • Diseases in Twins / etiology*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / etiology*
  • Fetal Diseases / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Placenta / blood supply*
  • Placenta Diseases / pathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Twins, Dizygotic