Antenatal Diagnosis of Thoracopagus and Parapagus Dicephalus Dibrachius Dipus Conjoined Twins: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Conjoined twins are a rare obstetric phenomenon, occurring in approximately 1% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Many present with life-incompatible anomalies; thus, early prenatal diagnosis is crucial for optimal management and delivery. We report two cases: a pair of 18-week-gestation thoracopagus twins (one with dorsolumbar meningocele, deformed limbs, and low-set ears), and a 21-week-gestation parapagus dicephalus dibrachius dipus conjoined twin pair with two separate heads, a common thorax and abdomen, and a single pair of upper and lower limbs. Both were diagnosed via routine ultrasonography and underwent medical termination. This case series highlights ultrasonography’s potential in diagnosing and managing complex twin presentations, thereby reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.

Keywords

• birth defects
• congenital anomalies
• mortality
• ultrasonography