Gravidanza plurigemina monocoriale con complesse Mostruosità fetali: Valutazioni d'ordine genetico e patogenetico

SUMMARYA case of monochorial and monoamniotic pregnancy is described. Of the four products of conception, two were apparently normal (stillborn) and two were monsters.On the basis of current classifications, the latter two can be defined one as acardiacus acephalus and the other as acardiacus amorphus. After presenting the data resulting from all the investigations carried-out (radiography, sex chromatin, histological examinations, injection of the placental and foeto-placental circulation) the etiopathogenetical factors to be examined in determining congenital serious deformities are discussed in relation to the case under examination and on the basis of the most recent findings.Two etiopathogenetical hypotheses are then suggested, resting on the supposition of a genie lesion which directly conditions either the subdivision into several embryos following ontogenesis or the « monstruosity » of the placental circulation.On the basis of the results obtained it can be held that further discoveries on the subject will derive from genetics and experimental embryology.