Craniopagus twins

Craniopagus twins
Craniopagus twins
SpecialtyNeurosurgery, neuroimaging, medical genetics
Usual onsetIn utero
Diagnostic methodObstetric ultrasonography
Frequency1 in 2.5 million live births
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Craniopagus twins are conjoined twins who are fused at the cranium.[1] The union may occur on any portion of the cranium, but does not primarily involve either the face or the foramen magnum; the two brains are usually separate, but they may share some brain tissue. Conjoined twins are genetically identical and always share the same sex.[2] The thorax and abdomen are separate and each twin has their own umbilicus and umbilical cord.[3]

The condition is extremely rare, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 2.5 million live births.[3] An estimated 50 craniopagus twins are born around the world every year as of 2021, with only 15 twins surviving beyond the first 30 days of life.[4] Relatively few craniopagus twins survive the perinatal period; approximately 40% of conjoined twins are stillborn and an additional 33% die within the immediate perinatal period, usually from organ abnormalities and failure.[5]

However, 25% of craniopagus twins survive and may be considered for a surgical separation; several such attempts occur annually worldwide.[6] Advances in neuroimaging, neuroanesthesia, and neurosurgery have demonstrated that a successful outcome is possible.[3] Among all conjoined twins, craniopagus twins account for a mere 2% to 6%.[3]

  1. ^ A. B. Todorov; K. L. Cohen; V. Spilotro; E. Landau (1974). "Craniopagus twins" (PDF). Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 37 (12): 1291–1298. doi:10.1136/jnnp.37.12.1291. PMC 1083642. PMID 4448993. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference mayo was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c d A.E. Goldman-Yassen; J.T. Goodrich; T.S. Miller; J.M. Farinhas (June 2020). "Preoperative Evaluation of Craniopagus Twins: Anatomy, Imaging Techniques, and Surgical Management". American Journal of Neuroradiology. 41 (6): 951–959. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A6571. PMC 7342745. PMID 32439641. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  4. ^ Isabella Kwai; Myra Noveck (6 September 2021). "Twins Conjoined at the Head Separated in Israel". New York Times. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  5. ^ Samuel R. Browd; James T. Goodrich; Marion L. Walker (January 2008). "Craniopagus twins". Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. 1 (1): 1–20. doi:10.3171/PED-08/01/001. PMID 18352797. S2CID 21056359. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  6. ^ Jen Christensen (24 April 2014). "Conjoined twins: When parents have to make a difficult decision". CNN. Retrieved 2022-02-09.