Conjoined thoracopagus twins – a case report

Abstract

This case report describes a 34-year-old pregnant woman in gestational age 12 weeks and 4 days, who was examined at a local hospital for a first-trimester scan showing a rare phenomenon of conjoined thoracopagus twins. She had two previous singleton pregnancies with normal pregnancy and delivery outcomes. Currently, the abortion limit in Denmark is gestational age 12weeks and 0 days, and therefore she needed a consultation approval to terminate the pregnancy even though the pregnancy outcome had a poor survival rate and risk of multiple complications peri- and postpartum. The permission from the abortion consultation was given, and the pregnancy was terminated in gestational week 13 and 2 days by surgical evacuation of the uterus. This case is a rare obstetric situation with conjoined thoracopagus twins, and a correct ultrasound diagnosis is essential for giving the correct fetal and obstetric counseling. The ethical aspects of approving a higher abortion limit in Denmark are of high significance to this case.