Epigastric heteropagus: a case report with review of the literature

Eur J Pediatr Surg. 1999 Oct;9(5):347-50. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1072280.

Abstract

Incomplete conjoined twinning or heteropagus attached at the autosite's epigastrium is an extremely rare form of conjoined twinnings. We report a case of epigastric parasitic twinning in which the parasite has a well developed lower trunk and pelvis with rudimentary lower limbs, and well developed upper extremities without shoulder girdles and thoracic cage. The clinical features of this rare entity are discussed with a literature review. We emphasize that in spite of monstrous appearance, autosite component of epigastric heteropagus can be treated successfully with minor surgery. This fact should be kept in mind during the intrauterine evaluation of these type of anomalies in order to avoid needless terminations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / embryology
  • Abnormalities, Multiple / surgery
  • Fetus / abnormalities
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Twins, Conjoined* / embryology
  • Twins, Conjoined* / surgery