Prenatal Diagnosis of a Rare Type of Conjoined Twin, Cephalothoracoomphalopagus: A Case Report

Abstract

Conjoined twins are a rare outcome of a monoamniotic and monochorionic gestation. We present a case of cephalothoracoomphalopagus conjoined twin diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonographic examination. A 26-year-old gravida 2, para 1 woman was referred to our perinatology unit for evaluation because of suspected conjoined twins at 24 weeks of gestation. Her medical history was unremarkable. There was no family history of genetic abnormalities. The diagnosis of conjoined twins was confirmed by prenatal ultrasonographic examination. Conjoined twins occur when two identical individuals are joined by part of their anatomy and share their vital one or more organs. The incidence of conjoined twins ranges from 1:50,000 to 1:250,000 live births. We present a case of male cephalothoracoomphalopagus conjoined twin, which is extremely rare type of conjoined twins. A prenatal diagnosis of shared organs dictates pregnacy termination or possible surgical separation strategies.

Keywords

• conjoined
• prenatal
• prenatal diagnosis
• twins
• ultrasonography