Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (<scp>TRAP</scp>) Sequence Phenotypes: A Comprehensive Visual Analysis
Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare and severe complication of monochorionic twins, occurring in approximately 1 in 35 000 pregnancies. It is characterized by the presence of a severely abnormal, nonviable acardiac twin and a structurally normal pump twin, which sustains the circulation of both fetuses through abnormal vascular placental anastomoses. This pictorial essay aims to illustrate the sonographic and Doppler findings associated with TRAP sequence, emphasizing the diagnostic prenatal features. Typical findings include the absence of cardiac activity in the acardiac twin, structural anomalies such as acardia, acrania, underdeveloped upper body, and paradoxical reversed flow patterns in the umbilical artery. Early diagnosis and close ultrasound monitoring are crucial for selecting antenatal treatment, including expectant management and fetal intervention. By presenting illustrative cases, this article provides a comprehensive overview to bolster the understanding of the different associated phenotypes and recognition of TRAP sequence amongst clinicians and sonographers.
Authors
- Gianpaolo Grisolia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5314-7231)
- Gabriele Tonni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2620-7486)
- Giosuè Giordano Incognito (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1818-0105)
- Rodrigo Ruano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3642-5858)
- Edward Araujo Júnior (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6145-2532)
- Mario Lituania (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5436-0185)
- Waldo Sepúlveda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3856-574X)
- Márcio Fragoso Vieira (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0571-1520)
Institutions
- University of Miami (US)
- Universidade Federal do Ceará (BR)
- Ente Ospedaliero Ospedali Galliera (IT)
- University of Catania (IT)
- Azienda Sanitaria Unità Locale di Reggio Emilia (IT)
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IT)
- Azienda Ospedaliera Carlo Poma (IT)
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Ultrasound
- Published
- 2025-05-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/jcu.23988
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Assisted Reproductive Technology and Twin Pregnancy
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.49
Funders
- Fetal Medicine Foundation