Prenatal diagnosis of parasitic conjoined twins with three-dimensional ultrasound.

Abstract

Asymmetric and parasitic conjoined twins are extremely rare anomalies of monochorionic monoamniotic twins, consisting of an incomplete twin attached to the fully developed body of the co-twin. Sonographic examination is essential for prenatal diagnosis as early detection of fetal anomalies with poor prognosis provides a chance to deliver the infant vaginally for the mother. We herein describe a case with a prenatal diagnosis of a parasitic twin using three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound. The clear images obtained with 3-D ultrasound helped in counseling the parents. Making an early prenatal diagnosis of severe fetal anomalies with careful and sophisticated sonographic examinations should be warranted.

• Authors: Miyuki Terata, Akihiko Kikuchi, Tomonobu Kanasugi, Rie Oyama, Akimune Fukushima, Toru Sugiyama
• Journal: Congenital anomalies (Congenit Anom (Kyoto)) Vol. 53 Issue 3 Pg. 131-3 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 1741-4520 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 23998267 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2012 The Authors. Congenital Anomalies © 2012 Japanese Teratology Society.

Topics

• Abnormalities, Multiple (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional
• Infant, Newborn
• Male
• Pregnancy
• Stillbirth
• Twins, Conjoined (pathology)
• Ultrasonography, Prenatal