Diprosopus
Diprosopus
Diprosopus (pronounced di-pro-so-pus), also known as craniofacial duplication, is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the duplication of facial features. The term is derived from the Greek words di meaning "two" and prosopon meaning "face".
Etymology
The term "Diprosopus" is derived from the Greek words di, meaning "two", and prosopon, meaning "face". It literally translates to "two-faced".
Definition
Diprosopus is a rare congenital disorder where parts or all of the face are duplicated on the head. This condition is a subtype of a broader category of disorders known as conjoined twins. However, unlike conjoined twins, individuals with diprosopus share the same trunk but have duplications in their facial features.
Symptoms
The symptoms of diprosopus vary widely, depending on the extent of the facial duplication. In some cases, the duplication may be partial, affecting only certain features such as the nose or mouth. In other cases, the duplication may be complete, resulting in two distinct faces on one head. Other associated anomalies may include neural tube defects, cardiac malformations, and abnormalities in other organ systems.
Causes
The exact cause of diprosopus is unknown. However, it is believed to be due to abnormalities in the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway, a key regulator of craniofacial development. Mutations in this pathway can lead to an overexpression of SHH, resulting in the duplication of facial features.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for diprosopus. Treatment is supportive and depends on the individual's specific symptoms and overall health. In some cases, surgery may be performed to improve function and appearance.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Diprosopus
- Wikipedia's article - Diprosopus
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