Prenatal sonographic delineation of the complex cardiac anatomy of thoraco‐omphalopagus twins

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Fetal Echocardiographic Characteristics of Fused Heart in Thoracopagus Conjoined Twins

“…In 2011, a worldwide study showed that the total prevalence of CT was 1.47 per 100,000 births . Cardiac fusion of variable degree almost always occurs in thoracopagus, frequently in cephalopagus and parapagus, and never in ischiopagus, craniopagus or pygopagus . The extent of cardiac fusion is not only a risk factor for viability, natural history, and outcome, but also associated with the possibility of surgical partition …”

“…In type C, there were also various types of conjoined heart. Tongsong et al . reported a conjoined heart in thoraco‐omphalopagus twins.…”

“…1 Cardiac fusion of variable degree almost always occurs in thoracopagus, frequently in cephalopagus and parapagus, and never in ischiopagus, craniopagus or pygopagus. 2 The extent of cardiac fusion is not only a risk factor for viability, natural history, and outcome, 3 but also associated with the possibility of surgical partition. 4 Fetal echocardiography is the modality of choice for diagnosis and assessment of CT with cardiac involvement as both a screening and confirmatory imaging method.…”

“…It is characterized by soft tissue, bone, and/or internal organs that are joined in utero. The cardiac fusion is a critical determinant of viability, natural history, and the possibility and outcome for surgical intervention . Fetal echocardiography is an integral component for comprehensive assessment of the cardiovascular system of CT.…”

“…The cardiac fusion is a critical determinant of viability, natural history, and the possibility and outcome for surgical intervention. [2][3][4] Fetal echocardiography is an integral component for comprehensive assessment of the cardiovascular system of CT. It has increasingly been used to diagnose and assess cardiac fusion and intracardiac anatomy and associated defects to provide an opportunity to counsel the family and to plan for prenatal and perinatal care.…”