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The Acardiac Monster

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Abstract

Two cases of acardiac fetuses are presented. Pathological data in 61 cases are tabulated. Classification, terminology and patho-physiological findings are discussed.

The Acardiac Monster is a form of monozygotic multiple gestation lacking a physiological heart and resulting in a bizarre fetal malformation which is sustained in utero by parasitic anastomoses to the circulation of a normal twin fetus. The precise etiology of this phenomenon is still obscure and suggestions are made for the future evaluation of the acardiac fetus.

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Lachman, R., McNabb, M., Furmanski, M. et al. The Acardiac Monster. Eur J Pediatr 134, 195–200 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00441472

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00441472

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