Difficulties in Diagnosis and Management of Conjoined Twins: 5 Cases Report in an African Environment (C？te d’Ivoire)/Challenges in Diagnosis and Management of Conjoined Twins: A Five Cases Series in an Africa Setting (Ivory Coast)
Context: The presence of conjoined twins is a rare occurrence during pregnancy. Today, early diagnosis is possible thanks to advances in imaging, particularly three-dimensional ultrasound, and the intervention of a trained operator. This antenatal diagnosis can be used to decide whether or not to continue the pregnancy. Cases presentation: Based on the authors’ experience, five (05) cases of conjoined twins were collected over a period of six years (01 January 2018-01 January 2023) in the maternity wards of the Angre’s Teaching Hospital (study location), whose diagnosis was sometimes unexpected in the delivery room. Among the five cases, we described three (03) thoraco-omphalopages and two (02) parapages, with a female predominance of 4/5. None were candidates for separation because they were stillborn or died on the first day of life. Conclusion: This series of cases highlights the different characteristics of conjoined twins and the poor fetal prognosis due to diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic possibilities that are practically non-existent in the African environment.
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