Case Report: Successful fetoscopic release of pseudoamniotic bands in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence: report of two rare cases and review of the literature - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: Successful fetoscopic release of pseudoamniotic bands in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence: report of two rare cases and review of the literature

  • By

  • Luyao Li

  • Aiqing Zhang

  • Xueju Wang

  • Pengbo Yuan

  • Chengqing Hu

  • Yangyu Zhao

  • Yuan Wei

  • July 17, 2026

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Clinical Report: Effective Fetoscopic Intervention for Pseudoamniotic Bands

Background

Pseudoamniotic band syndrome (PABS) is an iatrogenic condition that can arise after invasive fetal procedures, leading to significant complications in twin pregnancies. The management of PABS is particularly challenging due to its potential to cause fetal ischemia and limb amputation.

Data Highlights

CharacteristicValue
PABS occurrence in recipients78.0% (39/50 cases)
Affected fetal limbs88.2% (45/51 fetuses)
Antenatal detection rate20.0% (10/50 cases)
Fetuses developing limb amputation without intervention9.5% (4/42 fetuses)
Median gestational age at fetoscopic release23.5 weeks (range, 21–27.4)
Newborns requiring further surgery37.5% (3/8)

Key Findings

  • PABS is predominantly observed in recipients of TTTS (78.0% of cases).
  • Affected fetal limbs are the most common site of constriction (88.2% of fetuses).
  • Antenatal detection of PABS is low, with only 20.0% detected prenatally.
  • Without intervention, 9.5% of fetuses may develop limb amputation.
  • Fetoscopic band release has been performed in 8 cases of PABS after TTTS.
  • 37.5% of newborns required additional plastic surgery post-birth.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for PABS in twin pregnancies following invasive procedures.

Conclusion

Fetoscopic band release is a reported intervention for PABS in twin pregnancies, although the evidence base remains limited.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Missed diagnosis case of Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion sequence discovered at delivery: lessons from poorly monitored monochorionic twin pregnancy
  2. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2026 -- MRI diagnosis of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and uterine puncture site–amniotic cavity fistula following fetoscopic laser photocoagulation
  3. Pediatric Cardiology, 2025 -- Clinical Case of TRAP Sequence: Can a Single Umbilical Artery Serve as an Ultrasound Indicator for Fetal Heart Failure Risk?
  4. Pediatric Cardiology, 2026 -- Perinatal Management and Appropriate Time of Delivery in Monochorionic Monoamniotic Twins When One Twin has Transposition of the Great Arteries. A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature
  5. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #72, 2024 -- Twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence
  6. ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): role of ultrasound in twin pregnancy
  7. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #72: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence
  8. https://karger.com/fdt/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000550538/4494398/000550538.pdf

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