Ileothoracopagus

ILEOTHORACOPAGUS (from Latin ile- intestine, thorax- chest and Greek pegnumi- I fasten, join), a type of double symmetrical malformation, where two more or less normally developed fetuses are connected along the anterior surface in the chest and abdominal area; if the connection primarily involves the latter, it is called ileopagus; if the connection does not extend above the xiphoid process of the sternum, it is called ileoxiphopagus; sometimes the connection encompasses the entire thoracic cage and entire abdomen, which brings this malformation closer to the pictures of dicephalus. The navel in I. is single, and usually somewhat shifted to one side. Upon autopsy, I. reveals two livers, two stomachs, two duodena, while the rest of the intestine is common. Sometimes a series of additional malformations are observed in I., such as the fusion of hands or feet facing each other; in the latter case, the so-called sirena develops. I. belongs to the number of rare malformations.