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[Anatomic study of 2 sternopagus. Is the separation possible?]
J Guitard1, J Moscovici, B Deslaugiers
1Laboratoire d'Anatomie Appliquée de l'UER de Médecine de Toulouse-Rangueil.
Chirurgie Pediatrique
|January 1, 1990
Summary
True Sternopagus conjoined twins, characterized by complex heart and vascular fusion, are inseparable and have a poor prognosis. This contrasts with Xiphopagus and Thoracopagus twins.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Teratology
- Pediatric Surgery
Context:
- Conjoined twinning presents complex anatomical challenges.
- Sternopagus twins represent a rare and severe form of conjoined twins.
Purpose:
- To precisely define the anatomical characteristics of Sternopagus twins.
- To classify conjoined twins based on anatomical fusion, specifically focusing on Sternopagus.
- To review existing literature and present two cases of Sternopagus.
Summary:
- This study examines two cases of Sternopagus twins, detailing their anatomy and reviewing literature.
- Sternopagus twins exhibit intricate cardiac and vascular fusion, rendering them inseparable.
- The findings indicate a significantly poorer prognosis for Sternopagus twins compared to Xiphopagus and Thoracopagus types.
Impact:
- Provides a clearer definition and classification for Sternopagus twins.
- Highlights the critical role of vascular and cardiac anatomy in twin separation outcomes.
- Informs surgical planning and prognostic assessments for conjoined twins.
Related Concept Videos
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The Thoracic Cage: Sternum
The thoracic or rib cage forms the body's thorax (chest) portion. Its primary function in the body is to protect vital organs in the thoracic cavity, such as the heart and the lungs. It consists of 12 pairs of ribs with their costal cartilages and the sternum. The ribs are anchored posteriorly to the 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12).
The sternum is the elongated bony structure on the anterior side of the thoracic cage. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.
The sternum is the elongated bony structure on the anterior side of the thoracic cage. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.

