Craniopagus parasiticus

Craniopagus parasiticus is a rare condition in which a parasitic twin head with an undeveloped body is attached to the head of a developed twin. This condition is a type of conjoined twinning and is extremely rare, with few documented cases in medical history.

Overview

Craniopagus parasiticus is a form of conjoined twinning, a rare phenomenon that occurs in approximately 1 in 2.5 million births. Unlike typical conjoined twins, however, in cases of craniopagus parasiticus, one twin (the "parasite") is not fully formed and depends on the other (the "autosite") for survival.

Causes

The exact cause of craniopagus parasiticus is unknown, but it is believed to result from a disruption in the process of embryonic development. This disruption may occur when the zygote fails to completely separate into two distinct individuals.

Symptoms

The symptoms of craniopagus parasiticus vary depending on the extent of the parasitic twin's development and the degree to which it is connected to the autosite. In some cases, the parasitic twin may have a fully formed face, while in others, it may consist only of a partial skull and brain tissue.

Treatment

Treatment for craniopagus parasiticus typically involves surgical separation of the twins. This is a complex and risky procedure, as it often involves separating shared blood vessels and other structures. The prognosis for the autosite following surgery is generally good, although there may be long-term complications related to the procedure.

See also

• Conjoined twins
• Parasitic twin
• Twin

References

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