title: Prenatal diagnosis of conjoined twins.
abstract: A case of conjoined twins with open spina bifida prenatally diagnosed at the twenty-third week of gestation is presented. The early detection of this rare and unusual malformation was initiated by the observation of markedly elevated maternal serum alphafetoprotein values. Ultrasound evidence of a misshaped cephalic pole and the appearance of one fetal body on real-time ultrasound was strongly suggestive. Elective midtrimester termination confirmed the prenatal diagnosis and was followed by a benign postpartum course.
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D014428:Twins, Conjoined; D014463:Ultrasonography; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins