Craniopagus twins
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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]
This article needs more reliable medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources. (October 2016) |
Craniopagus twins | |
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Craniopagus twins | |
Specialty | Neurosurgery, neuroimaging, medical genetics |
Usual onset | In utero |
Diagnostic method | Obstetric ultrasonography |
Frequency | 1 in 2.5 million live births |
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[update], 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]