Craniopagus parasiticus

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Craniopagus parasiticus
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Conjoined twins with one twin being parasitic
Complications	Neurological disorders, circulatory system issues
Onset	Congenital
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Abnormal embryogenesis
Risks
Diagnosis	Medical imaging, Ultrasound, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Craniopagus twins, Parasitic twin
Prevention	None
Treatment	Surgical separation
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Poor
Frequency	Extremely rare
Deaths	High mortality rate

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.

Introduction

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.

Gallery

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  Illustration from "Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine"

• 

  The Two-Headed Boy of Bengal

See also

• Conjoined twins
• Parasitic twin
• Twin

References

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