Monozygotic bichorionic twinning after transfer of a single frozen/thawed embryo that has undergone quarter laser-assisted zona thinning: a case report

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2005 Dec;22(11-12):437-41. doi: 10.1007/s10815-005-7483-9.

Abstract

Purpose: To present the occurrence of a monozygotic bichorionic twinning after the transfer of a single frozen/thawed embryo has undergone assisted zona hatching (AZH), using a non contact laser.

Methods: A 33-year-old woman who underwent single frozen embryo replacement (FER). Before transfer, the patient was treated with GnRH agonist and with substitutive therapy (estrogens and progesterone).

Conclusions: We are absolutely certain that we are reporting a monozygotic bichorionic pregnancy: a single frozen/thawed embryo was transferred and no concomitant spontaneous conception was possible. Moreover, molecular biology assessment for polymorphisms confirmed clinical findings. The possibility of the occurrence of a monozygotic bichorionic twinning after the transfer of a single frozen/thawed embryo should be borne in mind and its incidence will have to be studied further.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cryopreservation / methods*
  • Embryo Transfer*
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro*
  • Humans
  • Lasers
  • Microsatellite Repeats
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Pregnancy
  • Twinning, Monozygotic / genetics
  • Twinning, Monozygotic / physiology*
  • Zona Pellucida / physiology*