Conjoined twins: prenatal diagnosis and assessment of associated malformations

Abstract

Prenatal diagnosis of conjoined twins is difficult and was rarely accomplished prior to the advent of sonography. Early prenatal diagnosis and assessment for shared vital organs are desirable for optimal obstetrical counseling and management. The authors retrospectively reviewed prenatal findings in 14 cases of conjoined twins. Thoracoomphalopagus was the most common type of conjoining, occurring in five cases (36%). Prenatal sonography showed shared hearts in nine (64%) cases, indicating severe conjoining and negligible chance for postnatal correction. Two sets of omphalopagus conjoined twins had separate hearts; however, severe congenital heart disease was present. Early prenatal diagnosis and assessment of the degree of conjoining provided couples with the option for pregnancy termination via vaginal delivery. In this series, nine patients elected pregnancy termination prior to 24 weeks and delivered vaginally. Transvaginal ultrasound significantly improved the delineation of conjunction in two patients, and computed tomography permitted the diagnosis to be confirmed in two patients.