Eur J Anat, 10 (3): 121-125 (2006)

Radiological anatomy of a cranial malformation in a conjoined dicephalus twin

Odhiambo D.E.O., Desouza J., Gikenye G., Saidi S.H.

Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Magnetic Imaging and Training Centre (M.I.T.C), Kenya; Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 30197, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT Conjoined twins capture interest due to their unusual anatomy. They vary in size, internal anatomy and degree of organ sharing. A sound knowledge of this structural anatomy is therefore important in separation surgery. Non-invasive techniques including 3D ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can expose the details of the anatomical complexity precluding twin separation. This study reports the cranial anatomy of a dicephalus dipus tribrachii twin as determined by CT-Scan and MRI evaluations. The CT scan gave the best bone delineation while the MRI scans gave the best soft tissue picture. The paper illustrates the usefulness of multiple techniques in delineating conjoined twin anatomy for the purposes of separation planning.

Keywords: article, computer assisted tomography, conjoined twins, dicephalus dipus tribrachii, human, knowledge, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, radiological procedures, skull malformation, surgical technique, three dimensional echocardiography