How Do You Spell OMPHALOANGIOPAGOUS TWINS?

1. Omphaloangiopagous twins refer to a rare phenomenon in which twins share not only a placenta but also a systolic anastomosis, or a blood vessel connection, between their umbilical cords. The term derives from the combination of the Greek words "omphalos" (meaning "navel" or "umbilicus"), "angeion" (meaning "vessel"), and "pagos" (meaning "link" or "joining"). This condition is often associated with monozygotic twin pregnancies (resulting from a single fertilized egg) and occurs in approximately 5% of monochorionic twins (twins that share the same chorion and placenta).

   The connection between the umbilical cords allows for the exchange of blood between the twins, and thus, they become dependent on each other for their cardiovascular system. In this arrangement, one twin typically acts as a donor, providing the other twin with additional nutrients and oxygen. Consequently, the donor twin may experience decreased blood volume and growth restriction, while the recipient twin may exhibit excessive blood volume and become overgrown.

   The presence of omphaloangiopagous twins requires careful monitoring throughout the pregnancy, as there is an increased risk of complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, heart failure, and developmental abnormalities. Diagnostic tools like ultrasound imaging, Doppler studies, and blood sampling may be employed to assess the twins' condition and plan appropriate management strategies.

   In summary, omphaloangiopagous twins are a unique type of twins who share both a placenta and a blood vessel connection between their umbilical cords, resulting in a critical dependence on each other's circulation and potential health risks.

2. Enzygotic twins united only by the umbilical vessels.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OMPHALOANGIOPAGOUS TWINS

The word "omphaloangiopagous" is derived from Greek roots:

1. "Omphalo" (ὀμφαλός) means "navel" or "belly button".

2. "Angio" (ἀγγεῖον) means "vessel" or "tube".

3. "Págos" (πᾶγος) means "fixing" or "fastening".

4. "Omphaloangiopagous" combines these roots together.

The term "omphaloangiopagous twins" is a medical term used to describe conjoined twins who share a blood vessel connection in their abdominal area, often through their navels.