Ileal atresia and severe cerebral injury after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation treatment for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

Background: Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a significant cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) is the optimal treatment option for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome; but can cause central nervous system, extremity and intestinal system injury.

Methods: We report the case report of ileal atresia and severe cerebral infarction co-occurrence after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation treatment. It is uncertain as to whether ileal atresia occurred due to ischemia associated with TTTS, the treatment with FLP, or a combination of both.

Conclusions: Cases with prenatal ultrasonographic abnormalities after FLP should have a close assessment to detect bowel complications. Despite many developments in its management, TTTS remains an important risk factor for cerebral injury.