Acardius Acephalus in an Undiagnosed Twin Gestation; Case Report and review of Literature from Federal Medical Centre Gusau, Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria

West Afr J Med. 2015 Apr-Jun;34(2):125-7.

Abstract

Background: Acardiusacephalusfoetal anomaly is a rare abnormality occurring in multifoetal gestation particularly monozygous twin gestation. It is commonly characterized by varying gross structural malformations incompatible with extra uterine life. Reports on acardiusacephalusfoetal anomaly remain sparse. We report a case of acardiusacephalusin an undiagnosed twin with striking gross malformation delivered to a 28 year old un-booked multipara. Objective To report an acardiusacephalic anomaly in the second of an undiagnosed twin pregnancy delivered to a multipara and review relevant literature.

Method: A Case was fully documentedat the Federal medical centre Gusau, Nigeria and local and international literature search conducted and reviewed.

Conclusion: Acardiusacephalus may have additional malformations in the other organs. The current case, the first in our centre, shows yet other striking gross and severe malformations characterizing acardiusacephalus.