Cephalothoracopagus Janiceps Conjoined Twins-A Rare Case

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of cephalopagus conjoined twins at 14 weeks of pregnancy

“…Conjoined twinning is a rare complication of monozygotic twinning that results in the fusion of the same body parts of each twin. The site and degree of fusion are variable …”

“…The precise etiology of conjoined twinning is still unknown; no significant associated genetic, environmental, or demographic risk factors have been identified in previous studies . However, conjoined twins are predominantly female …”

“…Conjoined twins are extremely rare with an estimated incidence of 1 in 50 000–100 000 births . These twins are a type of monozygotic twins that occur due to an incomplete embryonic division on day 13 to 15 following conception . The precise etiology of conjoined twinning is still unknown; no significant associated genetic, environmental, or demographic risk factors have been identified in previous studies .…”

“…Ventral unions are categorized as cephalopagus, thoracopagus, omphalopagus, ischiopagus, or parapagus, and the less frequent dorsal unions are classified as craniopagus, rachipagus, and pygopagus. Parapagus twins are the most common type of conjoined twins, while rachipagus twins seems to be the rarest form …”

“…The management of conjoined twins depends on the site, type, and extent of the union, the presence of other anomalies, and abnormal vascular connections. Accurate prenatal diagnosis allows adequate counseling of parents about the prognosis and the feasibility and expected success rate of surgical separation …”