<i>In utero</i> early suspicion of superfetation by ultrasound examination: a case report

Soudre, G.; Guettier, X; Marpeau, L.; Larue, L; Jault, T; Barrat, J

doi:10.1046/j.1469-0705.1992.02010051.x

Cited by 11 publications

(10 citation statements)

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“…Without evidence of multiple ovulations and their respective CLs as well as the use of early ultrasonography fetal size differences cannot always be attributed to SF (Rosenberg, 1954; Scrimgeour & Baker, 1974; Baijal et al , 2007). However, there is good evidence for SF in humans resulting from the use of artificial reproductive technologies (Bonnar, 1865; Walter, Hasenohr & Kerin, 1975; Soudre et al , 1992; Dmowsky, De Orio & Rana, 1997; Steck & Bussen, 1997). Harrison et al (2005) demonstrated discordance in development after the transfer of three embryos.…”

Section: Evidence For Superfetation In Mammalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The concept of superfetation: a critical review on a ‘myth’ in mammalian reproduction

et al. 2010

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Superfetation is understood as another conception during an already ongoing pregnancy. This implies the existence of young of different developmental stages within the female reproductive tract during certain periods of pregnancy. Nevertheless, a clear definition of the term as well as distinct criteria to identify the occurrence of superfetation in a species is missing. The variable anatomy of mammalian reproductive tracts seems to make the occurrence of superfetation more or less likely but impedes the simple evaluation of whether it is present or not. Additionally, adequate determination methods are missing or are difficult to apply at the right time. Superfetation or rather superfetation-like pregnancies are reported for numerous species including humans, livestock and rodents. The usual criteria to assume a case of superfetation include the finding of discordantly developed young within the uterus during post mortem or parturition of young after a birth interval shorter than the assumed pregnancy length. Often the occurrence of superfetation is concluded because other explanations of reproductive artifacts are missing. Even severe reproductive pathologies are often confused with superfetation. True superfetation or superfetation as a reproductive strategy may exist in some mammals. In the American mink (Neovison (Mustela) vison) and the European badger (Meles meles) superfetation occurs in combination with embryonic diapause. In the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus), superfetation has long been assumed to exist but evidence is still controversial. Superfetation definitely occurs in certain species of poeciliid and zenarchopterid fish, some of which also exhibit viviparity and maternal care. In mammals, the evolution of such a reproductive mechanism poses many interesting evolutionary, endocrine, microbial and immunological questions that require further investigation. Here we review the scant and at times ancient literature on this poorly understood topic. The different manifestations of superfetation are defined and reliable criteria to detect superfetation are outlined. Also, the differentiation of superfetation into a reproductive strategy or as a disrupted, abnormal reproductive function is discussed. Due to the different discussed functional aspects of superfetation, it is appropriate to establish a more detailed scheme to classify the true natural superfetation cases into superfertilization, superconception and superfetation proper. To date, there is no mammal species known for which superfetation proper in terms of finding discordantly developed fetuses has been conclusively demonstrated to be not only a rare occurence but an evolved reproductive strategy.

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Section: Evidence For Superfetation In Mammalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The concept of superfetation: a critical review on a ‘myth’ in mammalian reproduction

et al. 2010

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“…The occurrence of ovulation, conception and embryo implantation in a patient that already carries an ongoing pregnancy (otherwise know as superfetation) is a quite rare phenomenon in human beings. It has been reported in a few cases in which ultrasound examination showed several weeks of discordance in size between two fetuses of a twin pregnancy (Baijal et al, 2007;Harrison et al, 2005;Pape et al, 2008;Soudre et al, 1992;Tuppen et al, 1999). In some reported cases, the alternative hypothesis of marked intrauterine growth restriction of one of the twins was ruled out by neurosonography and ophthalmological examination that confirmed gestational age assessment (Harrison et al, 2005).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Superfetation after ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination performed during an unknown ectopic pregnancy

Lantieri

Revelli

Gaglioti

et al. 2010

Reproductive BioMedicine Online

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“…This is rare in humans with less than 10 cases of superfetation are described in the literature [4]. One of the early cases of superfetation was described in 1992 showing dichorionic diamniotic twins with a 4-week size and consistent growth difference shown through ultrasound measurements [5]. In this same case study at birth Twin 1 was 37 weeks and Twin 2 was 33-34 weeks [5].…”

mentioning

confidence: 76%

A Case Report of Possible Superfetation with Evidence of Ultrasound Findings, Gestational Age Calculations and Postnatal Complications

Taylor¹,

Kevin²

2021

Obstet Gynecol Cases Rev

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Introduction: Superfetation is a when second ovum is fertilized after there is already presence of an embryo in the uterine cavity. Human superfetation is extremely rare with less than 10 cases in the literature. According to previous research, the diagnosis of superfetation is suspected when there is a growth discrepancy in a multiple pregnancy. Case presentation:We present a case of a 35-year-old gravid 1 para 0 who presented to her OB/GYN at 7 weeks by known last menstrual period (LMP) for her first prenatal visit. She was found to have single intrauterine pregnancy consistent with known LMP. At 12 weeks she had a cell free DNA (cfDNA) test performed that came back abnormal. The patient's next ultrasound at 19 weeks showed a twin gestation. Repeat cfDNA was normal for twin gestation and serial ultrasounds showed normal interval growth of both twins with the same discordance throughout the rest of the pregnancy. The cfDNA results, ultrasound findings demonstrating consistent growth discordance with normal interval growth otherwise, NICU management difference and placenta analysis post birth all support the diagnosis of superfetation.

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In utero early suspicion of superfetation by ultrasound examination: a case report

Cited by 11 publications

References 0 publications

The concept of superfetation: a critical review on a ‘myth’ in mammalian reproduction

The concept of superfetation: a critical review on a ‘myth’ in mammalian reproduction

Superfetation after ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination performed during an unknown ectopic pregnancy

A Case Report of Possible Superfetation with Evidence of Ultrasound Findings, Gestational Age Calculations and Postnatal Complications

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