Fetus In Fetu: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Fetus in fetu is a rare condition in which a fetiform calcified mass often is present in the abdomen of its host, a newborn or an infant. We report on a case of a 19-month-old girl whose plain abdominal radiograph, ultrasonography, and computed tomography scan revealed a mass in which the contents favor a fetus in fetu rather than a teratoma. The noncalcified vertebral column invisible on the radiographs was identified by the pathologist; therefore, the nonvisualization of the vertebral axis on radiography or on computed tomography scan does not exclude the diagnosis of fetus in fetu.

Parasitic Rachipagus Conjoined Twins With Spina Bifida, Diplomyelia, Scoliosis, Tethered Cord Syndrome, and Ventricular Septal Defect -Case Report-

“…However, there are few reports on fetus in fetu. 4) Fetus in fetu has some common characteristics, such as vertebral axis and hyperdeveloped organ structure, and the vertebral axis is an important standard of diagnosis. Fetus in fetu mainly appears in the abdominal cavity or cavitas pelvis, but may also occur in the intracalvarium, oral cavity, and thoracic cavity.…”

Prenatal diagnosis of a neonate with fetus in fetu

“…3 Other criteria in the diagnosis of FIF include the presence of a capsule or fetal membranous covering, vascular connections, skin differentiation, and an umbilical cord with two vessels. 4 The most common location of FIF is retroperitoneal; indeed, 80% of cases have followed this pattern. 4 Other rare locations include the oral cavity, lumbar region, and cranium.…”

“…4 The most common location of FIF is retroperitoneal; indeed, 80% of cases have followed this pattern. 4 Other rare locations include the oral cavity, lumbar region, and cranium. 4 The differential diagnosis of FIF includes neoplasia, most commonly a mature teratoma, and pseudocyst.…”

Fetus in fetu presenting as suprarenal mass: a case report

“…6,8 Other atypical sites include intracranial, oropharynx, neck, adrenal gland, mediastinum, lungs, ovary and sacrococcygeal region. 5,[8][9][10][11][12][13] Post-natal ultra sonogram and CECT abdomen were suggestive of a left supra renal cystic mass in our patient.…”

“…5 Usual presentation is intra abdominal mass, mostly in retro peritoneum. 6 X-ray, USG followed by CECT/MRI abdomen are the usual investigations. Intra-abdominal FIF should be differentiated from teratoma, though it is not well established.…”