Fetus papyraceous: a rare cause for obstruction to spontaneous placental expulsion

Abstract

Fetus papyraceous is a mummified compressed fetus occurring in association with a viable twin. Incidence of this rare condition is 1 in 12,500 cases of twins. We report a case of fetus papyraceous which caused obstruction to spontaneous expulsion of placenta. Antenatal diagnosis by ultrasound examination is not always possible. Careful exploration of placenta after delivery is recommended. Diagnosis of this condition helps in evaluation of risk to surviving fetus as well as registration and documentation of this rare condition.

Fetus papyraceous: a case report of preterm premature rupture of membrane with adherent placenta

“…7,8 When undiagnosed antenatally, FP has the potential to obstruct labor and can thus only be diagnosed postdelivery. 9,10 Extending previous observations in this case report, we describe how FP also obstructs placental expulsion.…”

Aplasia cutis congenita with fetus papyraceus: report and review of the literature

“…There are a few reported cases of unknown FP causing dystocia, 13 obstruction of labor, 16 and spontaneous placental expulsion 17 . The viable fetus may be compromised with premature delivery, and intrauterine complications such as abruptio placenta, chorioamnionitis, or intrauterine growth retardation 16 …”

Twin fetuses papyraeci in a spontaneous triplet pregnancy presenting with unexplained preterm contractions

“…[9] The failure of serial ultrasound scan to detect fetuses papyraceous in the index case has also been reported elsewhere. [1011] This is thought to be due to anatomical position and technical difficulties. [10] Maternal complications associated with fetus papyraceous include DIC, preeclampsia, hydramnious, antepartum hemorrhage, preterm labor, and anemia.…”