A case of dicephalus parapagus dibrachius dipedis twins with review of literature

Abstract

Conjoined twins are embryologic abnormalities which occur due to incomplete division of monozygotic twins. They are classified based on the most prominent site of union. Our aim was to use a postmortem examination to allow for proper classification and description of various coexisting pathologies present within the conjoined twins. We report an occurrence of a dicephalus parapagus dibrachius dipedis conjoined twin delivered to a 28-year-old female at our hospital. An autopsy was performed on the twin following an early demise. The detailed morphological examination findings with emphasis on the unique cardiovascular anatomical finding are reported along with a review of relevant literature. This report illustrates the occurrence of this variant of conjoined twins and the need to establish detailed institutional/national registries for birth defects and congenital anomalies in developing countries.