Thoraco-Omphalopagus Twins: A Case Report

TL;DR

This paper presents a case of conjoined thoraco-omphalopagus twins and discusses the decision to terminate the pregnancy.

Contribution

The novelty lies in reporting a rare thoraco-omphalopagus twin case and discussing its clinical management.

Findings

Thoraco-omphalopagus twins were diagnosed at 13 weeks gestation.

The pregnancy was terminated following counseling and pharmacological treatment.

Conjoined twins are rare and often result in high morbidity and mortality.

Abstract

Conjoined twins are a rare form of congenital disorder in twin pregnancies, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The terms “conjoined twins” or “Siamese twins” relate to identical twins that are physically connected in utero. In cases where there is a shared heart or other complex anomalies, termination of pregnancy is considered a management option. We report the findings and outcome of a thoraco-omphalopagus twins case.

A 24-year-old woman presented to our hospital’s outpatient department at 13 weeks and two days gestational age. From the first trimester ultrasound, conjoined thoraco-omphalopagus twins were revealed. Counseling was offered including management options and prognosis. Following the couple’s decision this pregnancy was terminated after the patient received pharmacological treatment.

Conjoined twins remain until today a rarely encountered pregnancy; therefore, morbidity and mortality rates of twins are increased. Medical termination of pregnancy can be offered in these cases.

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