Conjoined twins: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Conjoined twins | |||
| image = [[File:Conjoined_X-ray.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = X-ray of conjoined twins | |||
| field = [[Pediatrics]], [[Surgery]] | |||
| synonyms = Siamese twins | |||
| symptoms = [[Physical connection]] of two bodies | |||
| complications = [[Organ sharing]], [[surgical separation]] | |||
| onset = [[Congenital disorder|Congenital]] | |||
| duration = Lifelong | |||
| causes = [[Monozygotic twins|Monozygotic]] twinning | |||
| risks = [[Premature birth]], [[Stillbirth]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Ultrasound]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Parasitic twin]], [[Teratoma]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical separation]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies depending on [[type of conjoining]] and [[organ sharing]] | |||
| frequency = 1 in 49,000 to 1 in 189,000 births | |||
}} | |||
A monoamniotic twin gestation in which the twins share one or more organs. | A monoamniotic twin gestation in which the twins share one or more organs. | ||
[[File:Infans bicorporeus xyphopagus.jpg|thumb|Infans bicorporeus xyphopagus]] | [[File:Infans bicorporeus xyphopagus.jpg|left|thumb|Infans bicorporeus xyphopagus]] | ||
[[File:Kind met twee hoofden, RP-P-OB-10.106.jpg|thumb|Kind met twee hoofden, RP-P-OB-10.106]] | [[File:Kind met twee hoofden, RP-P-OB-10.106.jpg|left|thumb|Kind met twee hoofden, RP-P-OB-10.106]] | ||
Conjoined twins are also known as siamese twins, and are a rare phenomenon in which two individuals are born physically connected to each other. This condition results from a monoamniotic twin gestation, where the twins share the same amniotic sac during development and can share one or more organs. | Conjoined twins are also known as siamese twins, and are a rare phenomenon in which two individuals are born physically connected to each other. This condition results from a monoamniotic twin gestation, where the twins share the same amniotic sac during development and can share one or more organs. | ||
=== Development and Causes === | === Development and Causes === | ||
[[Monoamniotic]] twins develop from a single fertilized egg, or zygote, that fails to separate completely after around 8 to 12 days following fertilization. If the separation occurs later than this, the twins can become conjoined. The exact cause of the incomplete separation is unknown. | [[Monoamniotic]] twins develop from a single fertilized egg, or zygote, that fails to separate completely after around 8 to 12 days following fertilization. If the separation occurs later than this, the twins can become conjoined. The exact cause of the incomplete separation is unknown. | ||
=== Types of Conjoined Twins === | === Types of Conjoined Twins === | ||
There are several types of conjoined twins, categorized based on the point of attachment: | There are several types of conjoined twins, categorized based on the point of attachment: | ||
| Line 13: | Line 30: | ||
* Pygopagus: Attached back to back at the buttocks, may share a lower gastrointestinal tract. | * Pygopagus: Attached back to back at the buttocks, may share a lower gastrointestinal tract. | ||
* Craniopagus: Attached at the head, the rarest type. | * Craniopagus: Attached at the head, the rarest type. | ||
=== Diagnosis === | === Diagnosis === | ||
[[Prenatal ultrasound]] is the primary method for diagnosing conjoined twins during pregnancy. More detailed imaging, like [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]], may be used to understand the extent of organ sharing and plan for possible separation surgery. | [[Prenatal ultrasound]] is the primary method for diagnosing conjoined twins during pregnancy. More detailed imaging, like [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]], may be used to understand the extent of organ sharing and plan for possible separation surgery. | ||
=== Treatment and Prognosis === | === Treatment and Prognosis === | ||
Treatment for conjoined twins varies greatly depending on the degree of organ sharing and overall health of the twins. If feasible, surgical separation may be considered, but carries significant risks. The prognosis for conjoined twins varies widely, with survival rates higher for those who share fewer organs. | Treatment for conjoined twins varies greatly depending on the degree of organ sharing and overall health of the twins. If feasible, surgical separation may be considered, but carries significant risks. The prognosis for conjoined twins varies widely, with survival rates higher for those who share fewer organs. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Monozygotic twins]] | * [[Monozygotic twins]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:11, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Conjoined twins | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Siamese twins |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Physical connection of two bodies |
| Complications | Organ sharing, surgical separation |
| Onset | Congenital |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Monozygotic twinning |
| Risks | Premature birth, Stillbirth |
| Diagnosis | Ultrasound, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Parasitic twin, Teratoma |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgical separation |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies depending on type of conjoining and organ sharing |
| Frequency | 1 in 49,000 to 1 in 189,000 births |
| Deaths | N/A |
A monoamniotic twin gestation in which the twins share one or more organs.
Conjoined twins are also known as siamese twins, and are a rare phenomenon in which two individuals are born physically connected to each other. This condition results from a monoamniotic twin gestation, where the twins share the same amniotic sac during development and can share one or more organs.
Development and Causes[edit]
Monoamniotic twins develop from a single fertilized egg, or zygote, that fails to separate completely after around 8 to 12 days following fertilization. If the separation occurs later than this, the twins can become conjoined. The exact cause of the incomplete separation is unknown.
Types of Conjoined Twins[edit]
There are several types of conjoined twins, categorized based on the point of attachment:
- Thoracopagus: Attached at the upper portion of the torso, sharing a heart.
- Omphalopagus: Attached at the lower chest and upper abdomen, may share liver but usually have separate hearts.
- Pygopagus: Attached back to back at the buttocks, may share a lower gastrointestinal tract.
- Craniopagus: Attached at the head, the rarest type.
Diagnosis[edit]
Prenatal ultrasound is the primary method for diagnosing conjoined twins during pregnancy. More detailed imaging, like MRI or CT scan, may be used to understand the extent of organ sharing and plan for possible separation surgery.
Treatment and Prognosis[edit]
Treatment for conjoined twins varies greatly depending on the degree of organ sharing and overall health of the twins. If feasible, surgical separation may be considered, but carries significant risks. The prognosis for conjoined twins varies widely, with survival rates higher for those who share fewer organs.
