Prenatal diagnosis of anatomical connections in conjoined twins by use of contrast magnetic resonance imaging |
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| Authors: | Cinzia Zoppini Angelo Vanzulli Alessandra Kustermann Tommaso Rizzuti Angelo Selicorni Umberto Nicolini |
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| Institution: | 1. First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Milano, via Commenda 12, Milano, Italy;2. Department of Radiology, Scientific Institute Ospedale S. Raffaele, via Olgettina, Milano, Italy;3. Department of Pathology, Istituti Clinici di Perfezionamento, via Commenda 12, Milano, Italy;4. Department of Medical Genetics, Istituti Clinici di Perfezionamento, via Commenda 12, Milano, Italy |
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| Abstract: | Omphalopagus conjoined twins were diagnosed by ultrasonography in a pregnant woman at 21 weeks' gestation. In order to clarify the anatomical connections, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, having achieved fetal paralysis by intravascular injection of 100 mg of pancuronium into each twin. Prior to MRI, 2 ml of a 0.0001 mmol/ml solution of gadolinium DTPA was also injected into the stomach of one twin. The contrast agent opacified the bowel loops of both twins, indicating bowel to bowel anastomosis. Following pregnancy termination, autopsy confirmed the prenatal diagnosis. |
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| Keywords: | Twin pregnancy Magnetic resonance imaging Conjoined twins Gadolinium DTPA |
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