Intestinal perforation in one of monochorionic twins: a report of two cases and literature review

Abstract

Objective To report two cases of intestinal perforation in one of monochorionic twins and to analyze relevant clinical manifestations based on literature review. Methods Both cases were admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University in 2017. Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed, OVID, Elsevier, Full-text Database of China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) and Wanfang Database from their release dates to February 2018. Clinical manifestations were analyzed through a literature review. Results In case 1, twin boys were born by cesarean section because of selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) Ⅲ at 31+3 gestational weeks. Signs of abdominal distention were found in one boy the day after birth, whose birth weight was 1 440 g and Apgar scores was all 9 at 1, 5 and 10 min after birth. A large amount of intra-abdominal gas was shown on abdominal X-ray. He was cured after surgery and discharged later. The other boy was fine. In case 2, twin girls were born by cesarean section because of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)Ⅲ at 29+1 gestational weeks. The one suffered from intestinal perforation was 810 g at birth and her Apgar scores was all 8 at 1, 5 and 10 minutes. Pneumoperitoneum were observed on abdominal X-ray 16 h after birth. The baby died because of refusal to further treatment after surgery. The other girl was in good condition. Literature search found no relevant report in mainland China, but ten cases had been reported aboard and five of them died. Most cases of TTTS complicated by intestinal perforation occurred in the recipients. Conclusions Complications of monochorionic twins such as TTTS and sIUGR might be potentially associated with intestinal perforation. Early intervention and evaluation is the key to improve the outcomes. Key words: Twin, monochorionic; Diseases in twins; Intestinal perforation; Premature birth