Cardiac and other malformations in parapagus twins.

INTRODUCTION

Conjoined twins occur in one 50-200,000 live births and approximately 75% of all cases are thoracopagus twins. Parapagus conjoined twins are rare and are not included in many review articles.

CASE REPORT: The cardiovascular system of a male parapagus (dicephalus, tetrabrachius, dipus) conjoined twins was studied. Twin B had bilateral bilobed lungs and a normal heart, while bilateral trilobed lungs and right isomerism was found in twin A. They shared a diaphragm and an abdominal cavity. There were two complete heads on two necks, two thoraxes, one abdomen, four arms, two legs, two complete vertebral columns, a single pelvis, and severe cardiac abnormalities.