Imaging Concerns Unique to Twin Pregnancy

The incidence of multiple gestations is increasing with rising maternal age and the utilization of artificial reproductive techniques. Twinning confers an increased risk to the pregnancy, with higher incidence of structural anomalies, preterm delivery, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Certain conditions are unique to twin pregnancy, such as the twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and the acardiac twin, secondary to vascular sharing between both the fetuses. Conjoined twinning is a phenomenon occurring because of late splitting of the zygote. Advances in imaging have increased our ability to manage multiple pregnancies with accurate prenatal diagnosis, better antenatal surveillance, and novel image-guided procedures. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the twinning process, including the pathophysiology, diagnostic pearls, and dilemmas and to briefly outline the outcomes and available treatment options to assist the radiologist in better management of multiple gestations.