Fetus papyraceus in dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: The actual rate of multiple pregnancies is significantly larger than that observed during labor due to the fact that in the course of pregnancy intrauterine death of one or more fetuses may occur. Case presentation: A twenty-six old woman (GII, PII) reported to hospital in 26 weeks of DC/DA twin gestation complicated by intrauterine death of one fetus in the second trimester of a spontaneous pregnancy. Pregnancy ended at term with vaginal birth of a single live fetus. After birth, entanglement of the fetal umbilical cord around the leg of the dead fetus was discovered. It was the most probable cause of death. Conclusions: Conservative management is preferred in case of intrauterine demise of one of the fetuses in DC/DA twin pregnancy. One of the reasons of fetal death may be entanglement of the umbilical cord around fetal small parts. The time of fetal death can be determined on the basis of the length of the thigh bone (Femur Length – FL).