A Case of Prenatally Diagnosed Cephalopagus.

Kim, Tae Hee; Shin, Joong Sik; Kwon, Hwang; Kwon, So Young; Kim, Ji Young; Yoo, Jung Bae

Case Report

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2002;45(4):701-705.
Published online April 1, 2002.

A Case of Prenatally Diagnosed Cephalopagus.

Tae Hee Kim, Joong Sik Shin, Hwang Kwon, So Young Kwon, Ji Young Kim, Jung Bae Yoo

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University, Seoul, Korea.
²Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

Conjoined twin rarely occurs in human, with a reported incidence of 1:50,000 to 1:100,000 pregnancies. The site and extent of fusion are infinitely variable. Classification systems for conjoined twins are usually based on the fused anatomic region. The early prenatal diagnosis and assessment for shared vital organs are desirable for optimal obstetrical counseling and management. When severe forms are diagnosed prior to 24 weeks, pregnancy termination via vaginal delivery can be considered. With the advent of ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis is possible during the late first trimester or early second trimester. We report a case of cephalopagus diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonogram in the second trimester and subsequently was terminated, with a brief review of literature.

Key Words: Cephalopagus, Ultrasonogram