Definition: what is a parasitic twin or ischiopagus?
As Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, explains to us, the case is rare (around 1 case in 500,000 births), but nevertheless known.
“Parasitic twin, also called “fetus in fetus” or “ischiopagus”, is a rare anomaly that can occur during a twin pregnancy, particularly in monozygotic twins. This phenomenon occurs when one embryo absorbs the other during fetal development.
It is a malformation which corresponds to a developmental anomaly during which one fetus is absorbed by the body of its twin.
How does the fetus develop in fetus?
The absorbed fetus can, however, partially develop, nourished by the blood system of its twin. “It may have recognizable anatomical structures such as bones, limbs, fingers and nails” confirms our expert. This is often detected during a prenatal ultrasound or after birth. The host then presents several symptoms: headaches, vomiting, the presence of a mass, swelling, breathing problems. But in some cases, this twin can also remain asymptomatic for years. “Only medical imaging (scanner, etc.) highlights it.”
Differences from teratoma (tumor)
“Note that this parasitic twin differs from a teratoma, which is a tumor without a spine or limbs.” Teratoma develops in the fetal stage from germ cells, capable of producing different types of tissue. The teratoma is thus made up of teeth, hair, skin and cartilage. This tumor is disorganized, it is not an embryo or a fetus. It is benign or malignant. Teratoma is more common than absorbed twin syndrome.
Twin syndrome absorbed in the womb: an extremely rare case in India
The case of this young Indian is, however, extremely rare, if not never seen before. Before this surgical intervention, the young man from Uttar Pradesh actually lived with “two fully formed legs, buttocks and external genitalia protruding from its abdomen” indicates Indian media and the BBC.
Even more astonishing, these organs weighing around 15 kg allowed him to feel “pain, touch and temperature changes.
An extraordinary operation
Faced with the need to free this young patient, a team of specialists, formed around Dr. Asuri Krishna, worked on February 8 to remove this parasitic twin. A particularly difficult operation due to the age of the patient.
“Only 40 to 50 cases of parasitic twins have been documented in the world medical literature, and in these cases the operation was attempted on children.” comments the doctor today. The two-and-a-half-hour operation also faced a complication: The teenager’s blood pressure dropped dangerously, as 30 to 40 percent of his blood flowed toward the parasitic twin. The team, prepared for this eventuality, was fortunately able to manage this and stabilize the teenager.
After 4 days of hospitalization, he was able to get his life back and dream of a simpler future. Mocked since childhood because of his appearance, today he aspires to study and find a job. “A new world opened up to me”
he testifies to the newspaper Indian Expresss.