Key result
Conjoined hearts with shared atrial and ventricular chambers preclude surgical separation in thoracopagus twins.
Why the study?
Thoracopagus twins with conjoined hearts and livers present complex cardiac malformations that challenge surgical separation.
This case report describes the complex cardiac anatomy of thoracopagus twins, highlighting that extensive atrial and ventricular fusion precludes surgical separation.
Informs prenatal counseling and separation planning in thoracopagus twins; extends limited descriptive literature on cardiac fusion anatomy.
A case of thoracopagus twins with conjoined hearts and livers is described. The female twins were delivered in the 19th week of gestation. There was a common pericardial sac and the hearts were joined at the atrial and ventricular levels. Prenatally, surgical separation was considered impossible due to the fused heart, which was confirmed by the autopsy findings.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Tansel et al. (2001) studied this question. Thoracopagus twins with conjoined hearts shared a common pericardial sac and were joined at the atrial and ventricular levels, rendering surgical separation impossible.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: