[Successful separation in 1974 of craniopagus twins united at the vertex. Indications, technics, follow-up after 14 years]. / Séparation réussie en 1974 de jumelles craniopages unies par le vertrex. Indications, techniques, évolution sur 14 ans.

ABSTRACT

On July 22, 1974, 55 days after delivery, the separation of female craniopagus twins united at the vertex was performed. This case was very similar to the case published by Voris in 1957 after separation in 1955. Surgery was decided because the neurological examination was normal in both twins, because there was no body malformation, because the angiogram as well as isotopic scintigraphy showed two normal brains, two superior sagittal sinuses and two torcular areas with a short venous union in the middle of the bone defect. In addition, Sophie and Sonia were suffering from respiratory disturbances due to their position. Surgery was easy (90 min) using the operative microscope; intubation and placing intravascular tubes for hemodynamic monitoring were difficult and lasted 4 hours. After all it took 14 years and 23 operations to complete the reconstructive surgery of the bone and skin. Cranioplasty was finally performed using vitallium plates. On their 14th birthday a neuropsychological investigation was performed with an IQ of 94 in Sophie and 76 in Sonia. Both girls are nubile and enjoy a normal school attendance.