A case report on prenatal diagnosis of Non Janiceps type of cephalopagus conjoined twins

Abstract

Abstract Background Conjoined twin pregnancy is a rare occurrence resulting from the failure of a zygote to separate completely after 13 days. Cephalopagus type is the rarest type of conjoined twins. There are two types of cephalopagus twins: Janiceps (two faces are on the either side of the head) and non-janiceps (with one head and a single face). Non-janiceps type of cephalopagus are extremely rare variety of conjoined twins. Case presentation: A 19Y old female, primigravida, presented at 12 weeks of gestation for antenatal ultrasound. USG showed evidence of a conjoined twin with a single head with single face, fused thoraces with single heart, two lungs, fused upper abdomen with shared stomach and liver, separate pelvises with two different bladders and two pairs of upper and lower limbs. Fetal MRI corroborated these findings. The pregnancy was terminated and cephalopagus fetus was delivered vaginally. The parents were appropriately counselled for future pregnancies. Conclusion An extremely rare case of non-Janiceps type of cephalopagus conjoined twin gestation which was detected at 12 weeks of geatation by antenatal ultrasound and confirmed on fetal MRI. Early antenatal diagnosis is extremely important for appropriate and timely management as the prognosis is very poor in such twins. Antenatal ultrasound and fetal MRI prove very beneficial in this aspect as well as fordiagnosis of other associated fetal abnormalities.