[Conjoined omphalopagous twins separated at fifteen days of age]

The Ibadan conjoined twins: a report of omphalopagus twins and a review of cases reported in Nigeria over 60 years

An omphalopagus set of female conjoined twins, undiagnosed prenatally, who presented as obstructed labour needing operative delivery is reported. Their anatomic characteristics and clinical features, including overwhelming sepsis in twin II which forced early separation, and those which led to their demise are described. Twelve other cases reported in Nigeria over the past 60 years are reviewed with reference to the aetiology and epidemiology of conjoined twinning and the determinants of successful surgical separation.

[Prenatal diagnosis of omphalopagus conjoined twins at 13 weeks of amenorrhea]

Conjoined twins are a rare occurrence. We present a case of conjoined twins at 13 weeks' gestation. This case demonstrated the possibility of making an accurate diagnosis of conjoined twins and delineating the extent of organ sharing in the first trimester. This analysis and the discover of another anomalies can help the parents with the option for pregnancy termination. Early diagnosis and precise delineation of the shared organs of conjoined twins are essential for optimal obstetric and postnatal management.

Surgical ligation of a persistent arterial duct in one of conjoined thoracopagus twins prior to surgical separation

One of conjoined thoracopagus twins, with separate hearts and a common pericardial sack, presented with respiratory distress because of a persistent arterial duct causing congestive heart failure in the neonatal period. Surgical ligation of the duct was performed prior to subsequent separation, with an excellent outcome.

Utilization of magnetic resonance imaging in autopsy planning with specimen preservation for thoraco-omphalopagus symmetricus conjoined twins

Conjoined twinning is a rare obstetric event that has fascinated physicians and laypersons alike for centuries. When this event occurs, early diagnosis, close prenatal management, and the proper route of delivery will assure the best possible outcome for mother and affected infants. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used both as an ancillary technique to the sonography for the antepartum diagnosis and in the preoperative planning for the surgical separation of conjoined twins. This report describes the MRI findings in conjoined twins of the thoraco-omphalopagus symmetricus type, a condition incompatible with extrauterine life. The twins were delivered at 21 weeks gestation. The MRI was used to evaluate the anatomic nature of the internal anomalies. These findings were then used to develop an autopsy approach plan that preserved the external phenotype. After dissection, the specimen was preserved by using polyethylene glycol and ultimately prepared for use as a teaching specimen.