Patient-centred care of cephalo-omphalopagus conjoined twins

Conjoined twins are rare, occurring in 1 in 250 000 live births, with cephalopagus twins reported in 1 in 3 000 000 live births. In cases of conjoined twins, early diagnosis is crucial for the health of the mother and pregnancy management and counselling. We present a case of cephalo-omphalopagus conjoined twins, with imaging findings, delivery considerations and patient-centred care recommendations. A patient in her 30s, gravida 2 para 0, was transferred to our care after an anatomical ultrasound demonstrated fusion of the fetal heads, chests and abdomens. Due to a complex congenital heart defect with a shared heart, the family was counselled on the anticipated prognosis and management options. Twin girls were delivered at 34+4 weeks via caesarean delivery, and the family was able to spend time with them as desired. This case demonstrates that prenatal diagnosis is helpful, and family involvement through patient-centred care and shared decision-making can improve perceived outcomes.

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Publication Details

Journal
BMJ Case Reports
Published
2026-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2025-267833
Primary Topic
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Twin Pregnancy
Type
article
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article

Patient-centred care of cephalo-omphalopagus conjoined twins

Dustin Kocol, Monica A. Lutgendorf, Hannah Mugford
BMJ Case Reports
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Twin Pregnancy
article

Patient-centred care of cephalo-omphalopagus conjoined twins

Dustin Kocol, Monica A. Lutgendorf, Hannah Mugford
article en

Abstract

Conjoined twins are rare, occurring in 1 in 250 000 live births, with cephalopagus twins reported in 1 in 3 000 000 live births. In cases of conjoined twins, early diagnosis is crucial for the health of the mother and pregnancy management and counselling. We present a case of cephalo-omphalopagus conjoined twins, with imaging findings, delivery considerations and patient-centred care recommendations. A patient in her 30s, gravida 2 para 0, was transferred to our care after an anatomical ultrasound demonstrated fusion of the fetal heads, chests and abdomens. Due to a complex congenital heart defect with a shared heart, the family was counselled on the anticipated prognosis and management options. Twin girls were delivered at 34+4 weeks via caesarean delivery, and the family was able to spend time with them as desired. This case demonstrates that prenatal diagnosis is helpful, and family involvement through patient-centred care and shared decision-making can improve perceived outcomes.

BMJ Case ReportsVol. 19(1)
Naval Medical Center San Diego (US), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (US), Wake Forest University (US)
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 91%
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Twin Pregnancy
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Patient-centred care of cephalo-omphalopagus conjoined twins — Dustin Kocol, Monica A. Lutgendorf, et al. · BMJ Case Reports (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS