Arterio-arterial vascular anastomoses in monochorionic placentas with and without twin–twin transfusion syndrome

Abstract

We performed a matched case–control study to analyze the placental angioarchitecture, in particular the diameter of arterio-arterial (AA) anastomoses in monochorionic placentas from pregnancies with twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) compared to a control group of uncomplicated monochorionic placentas. Placental angioarchitecture was analyzed using colored dye injection. AA anastomoses were detected in 37% (14/38) of TTTS placentas versus 91% (209/228) in control placentas (p < 0.001). The median diameter of AA anastomoses in the group with and without TTTS was 1.9 mm and 2 mm, respectively (p = 0.711). In conclusion, our findings show that AA anastomosis occur less frequently in TTTS placentas, supporting the concept of the protective role of AA anastomoses in TTTS. However, the size of the AA anastomosis, when present, does not appear to influence the pathophysiology of the disease.