Case report

Dicephalus parapagus conjoined twins discordant for anencephaly: a case report

Usang E Usang¹ , Babatunde J Olasode² , Ayi E Archibong¹ , Jacob J Udo¹ and Diana-Abasi U Eduwem¹

¹  University of Calabar/University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

²  Obafemi Awolowo University/Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Medical Case Reports 2010, 4:38doi:10.1186/1752-1947-4-38

Published:	5 February 2010

Abstract

Introduction

Cases of conjoined twins occur so rarely that it is important to learn as much as possible from each case.

Case presentation

We present a case of 9-hour-old, female, Nigerian dicephalus parapagus conjoined twins discordant for anencephaly diagnosed only after the birth of the twins. The anencephalic twin was stillborn while the normal one died within 9 hours of birth from cardiopulmonary failure.

Conclusion

Many congenital defects of interest can now be detected before birth. A severe lesion such as that found in our index case, which is incompatible with postnatal life, requires counselling. If detected early enough during a properly monitored antenatal care, it may indicate termination of pregnancy.