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Monochorionic-Diamniotic Twin Placenta
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Monochorionic-Diamniotic Twin Placenta

This is a section of the dividing membranes of a monochorionic, diamniotic placenta.
Note that the dividing membrane is two amnions juxtaposed in back to back fashion.
The simple squamous amniotic epithelium lines the amniotic sac of each twin.
(Description By:Melinda Sanders, M.D. )
(Image Contrib. by: UCHC )
Monchorionic Diamniotic Twin Placenta
Etiology

Unknown
Pathogenesis

Separation of blastomeres
To result in diamniotic monochorionic placentation twinning occurs between 3 and 8 days from fertilization
At this point no amnion has developed so that two sacs will form,
Epidemiology

Monozygotic twinning is relatively steady in all populations at 3.5/1000.
With assisted fertilization techniques the relative proportion of monozygotic twinning is declining
General Gross Description

Usually fused placental disks showing chorionic surface with insertion of two umbilical cords
Separation of two halves of placenta by thin delicate dividing membrane which can not be pulled apart
Superficial anastamoses may be evident between two circulations
General Microscopic Description

Examination of the dividing membrane shows amniotic epithelium and mesoderm apposed mesoderm of a second amnion
No intervening chorion seen
Cannot determine which villi perfused which twin
Cannot detect deep anastamoses without special studies
All cases presumed to have vascular anastamoses
Clinical Correlation

Complications of twinning include premature delivery, possibility of twin-twin transfusion, and increased morbidity and mortality
References

Benirschke K, Kaufmann P. Pathology of the human placenta, 3rd ed. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1995, pp. 719-733.
Monchorionic Diamniotic Twin Placenta
Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (T88100M29040)[54]
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