Twin Hearts in Identical Twins

John Papanikolaou1, Nikolaos Platogiannis, Nikolaos Nikoloulis

  • 1Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece. y_papanikolaou@hotmail.com.

Insights

Identical twins often show similar coronary artery disease patterns and timing. Evaluating the other twin is recommended when one presents with early-onset coronary artery disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Twin Studies

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) in identical twins is rare and findings are controversial.
  • Previous reports on cardiac manifestations and angiographic characteristics in twins are limited and conflicting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of coronary artery disease in identical twins.
  • To highlight striking similarities in clinical presentation, anatomy, and disease distribution between twins.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a monozygotic twin pair.
  • Clinical assessment and angiographic analysis of coronary artery disease.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated remarkable concordance in the timing and type of CAD manifestation.
  • Observed similar underlying coronary anatomy and disease distribution in both twins.

Conclusions:

  • This case supports a genetic predisposition in coronary artery disease development in identical twins.
  • Routine evaluation of the co-twin is a reasonable approach when one twin presents with premature coronary artery disease.

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