Diprosopus: a unique case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

We present a case of partial facial duplication in a male infant.

METHODS

The clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings for this patient are described, followed by a review of the literature.

RESULTS

Craniofacial duplication is a rare form of conjoined twinning and presents in a wide spectrum, from dicephalus to diprosopus to partial facial duplication. Many of these cases can be diagnosed prenatally. Prenatal assessment of our patient revealed only agenesis of the corpus callosum.

CONCLUSIONS

The pathogenesis is believed to involve duplication of the notochord. Where there are more severe associated anomalies, the prognosis is poor. Partial facial duplication, as in our case, is associated with fewer anomalies, and the prognosis is better. Symmetry and an excess of tissue, rather than deficiency, favor a positive result.