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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffConjoined twins can be diagnosed using standard ultrasound by midpregnancy. The use of high-resolution and transvaginal ultrasound — an imaging method in which the ultrasound probe is placed in the vagina — makes it possible to diagnose conjoined twins during the first trimester. False-positive results can occur before 10 weeks, however, when identical twins who share an amniotic sac (monoamniotic twins) may appear conjoined.
If an ultrasound detects conjoined twins, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be done, as it can provide greater detail about where the conjoined twins are connected.
If the twins are connected in a way that leaves them with no possibility of life outside the uterus, parents face the difficult decision of whether to continue the pregnancy.
- Cunningham FG, et al. Multifetal gestation. In: Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6037146. Accessed Sept. 24, 2010.
- Winkler N, et al. The imaging spectrum of conjoined twins. Ultrasound Quarterly. 2008;24:249.
- Spitz L. First trimester diagnosis of conjoined twins. Prenatal Diagnosis. 2005;25:820.
- Amin S, et al. Live conjoined twins: A rare first trimester diagnosis during emergency department sonography. Emergency Medicine. 2010;39:e105.
- Roque H, et al. Monoamniotic twin pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2010.
- Martinez-Frias ML, et al. Epidemiological and clinical analysis of a consecutive series of conjoined twins in Spain. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2009;44:811.
- Kokcu A, et al. Conjoined twins: Historical perspective and report of a case. Journal of Maternal Fetal Neonatal Medicine. 2007;20:349.
- Pajkrt E, et al. First-trimester diagnosis of conjoined twins. Prenatal Diagnosis. 2005;25:820.
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