Spinal cord involvement in pygopagus conjoined twins: case report and review of the literature

Childs Nerv Syst. 2003 Mar;19(3):183-7. doi: 10.1007/s00381-002-0712-y. Epub 2003 Feb 22.

Abstract

Introduction: Pygopagus conjoined twins are joined at the rump and have union of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems as well occasional involvement of neural elements.

Case report: We report a case where the terminal spinal cords were fused, despite which there was only a minor motor deficit in the lower limbs after separation. The pre-operative and intra-operative findings are described and issues of long-term follow-up discussed.

Discussion: Seven other cases reported in the literature with varying degrees of involvement of the spinal cord and cauda equina are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lower Extremity Deformities, Congenital / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Motor Skills Disorders / etiology
  • Spinal Cord / abnormalities*
  • Twins, Conjoined / surgery*