Successful cervical cerclage in a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

A 26-year-old primigravid woman presented with a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy after 7 years of infertility. No formal ultrasound was performed until a morphology check at 19 weeks and 4 days of gestation, at which time a shortened cervix was identified. The patient was already on vaginal progesterone pessaries from conception, as per her infertility specialist, and was advised to change to a rectal route of administration. At 20 weeks and 5 days, progesterone pessaries were increased to twice daily. A repeat scan at 21 weeks and 4 days showed a funnelled cervix 29 mm in length, a closed portion of 4-6 mm and bulging membranes. A speculum examination at this time showed a shortened cervix, 5 mm open, with visible membranes. A cervical cerclage was placed at 21 weeks and 5 days. The patient was given oral antibiotics for 1 week and was continued on progesterone pessaries. The patient was managed through the twins clinic and had serial ultrasound scans throughout the pregnancy. She went on to develop gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. She had a caesarean section at 33 weeks and 4 days due to pre-eclampsia, with abnormal doppler scans. Cervical cerclage was removed at the time of the caesarean section. Both twins were admitted to the nursery for prematurity and progressed well. This case report illustrates how a cervical cerclage can be utilised successfully in a primigravid dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy.

Keywords

• Cervical cerclage
• Cervical shortening
• Twin pregnancy
• Dichorionic diamniotic