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.
Authors
- Dustin Kocol
- Monica A. Lutgendorf (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1140-1507)
- Hannah Mugford
Institutions
- Naval Medical Center San Diego (US)
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (US)
- Wake Forest University (US)
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
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00