Unusual case of epigastric heteropagus twinning

J Pediatr Surg. 2005 Mar;40(3):E39-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2004.11.006.

Abstract

Asymmetrical conjoined twins or heteropagus twins are extremely rare. They are characterized by an incomplete component (parasite) that is normally smaller and dependent on the host (autosite). In cases of an epigastric heteropagus twin, the insertion occurs in the epigastrium. There are few reports of epigastric heteropagus twinning in the English-language literature. The authors report an extremely rare case of epigastric heteropagus twinning in which the parasite presented with head, thorax, and a rudimentary heart.

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / embryology
  • Abnormalities, Multiple / pathology
  • Adolescent
  • Diseases in Twins*
  • Ectromelia / etiology
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / abnormalities
  • Heart Defects, Congenital
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Kidney / abnormalities
  • Lung / abnormalities
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Twins, Conjoined / embryology
  • Twins, Conjoined / pathology*
  • Twins, Conjoined / surgery