Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42261401›Full record

ArticleInternational medical case reports journal2026

Can Cord Entanglement Occur in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins? A Rare Case of Spontaneous Septostomy of Dividing Membranes.

Reem Bolbol, Anfal Al Hadithi, Sara Kidher, Zainb Eltom

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in International medical case reports journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Reem BolbolObstetrics & Gynecology Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Anfal Al HadithiObstetrics & Gynecology Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Sara KidherUniversity of Leicester, Leicester, England.ORCID 0009-0004-2978-7035
Zainb EltomObstetrics & Gynecology Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Twin pregnancies are known to be complicated, with monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) pregnancies holding more risks compared to dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) and monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies. Cord entanglement is a common complication in the context of MCMA twins, however can this occur in MCDA twins? Case: A 26-year-old woman was referred to a high-risk tertiary unit at 18 weeks gestation, where scan confirmed MCDA pregnancy. She was regularly followed up in clinic. After presenting at 29 weeks with preterm labor that was managed at the time; she later presented at 31 weeks, distressed with labor pains. Repeated scans showed unexpected severe intrauterine growth restriction of both babies. During her Cesarean section at 32 weeks, clinicians noted both umbilical cords were tightly tangled, which uniquely occurs with MCMA rather than MCDA. Upon reviewing the literature for similar cases, an extremely rare phenomenon called spontaneous septostomy of dividing membranes (SSDM) had occurred. This led to an MCDA twin pregnancy functionally becoming MCMA with its high risks of cord entanglement and fetal demise. Discussion: The incidence of SSDM is truly unknown due to the rarity of the condition, but it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Limited literature states that possible causes of this are abdominal trauma during pregnancy, iatrogenic procedures, and chorioamnionitis. Despite the great mortality rate of this complication, both neonates in our case were discharged after a month in the NICU in good condition, showcasing the effectiveness of close monitoring and immediate response. Conclusion: MCDA twin pregnancy becoming MCMA due to SSDM is a rare phenomenon. Our case highlights the peculiar presentation of SSDM and importance of prompt management.

Indexed as

cord entanglementpseudo-monoamniotic transformationspontaneous septostomy of dividing membranes

Identifiers

PMID42261401
PMCPMC13242840

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