Lithopedion as a factor in post‐traumatic intestinal perforation

Abstract

Lithopedion is defined as the evolution and calcification of an unrecognized intra-abdominal (usually ectopic) pregnancy, following a fetal death after 3 months of gestation.The term lithopedion comes from the Greek words "lithos" meaning "stone" and "paidion" meaning child [1].The fetus is retained in the maternal abdominal cavity or genital tract. It may then undergo a process of calcification, its tissues being more or less infiltrated with calcareous salts. The placenta, free membranes, and umbilical cord may also be calcified. It may be manifested by clinical signs such as abdominal pain [3]. It may also be discovered during surgery for a completely different indication or during imaging or autopsy examinations [4].

Case report of a lithopedion of tubal location, in a young woman

“…Fetal death occurred between 3 and 6 months of pregnancy in 20% of the cases as noted in our observation, between 7 and 8 months of pregnancy in 27% of the cases and at term in 43% of the cases [ 2 , 5 , 7 ].…”

“…Some associated complications have been reported: post-traumatic intestinal perforation [2] ; intestinal obstruction; fistulization of fetal parts in the abdominal wall, rectum, or vagina [4] ; fetal-pelvic disproportion during a concomitant pregnancy [8] ; pelvic abscess [ 6 , 8 ].…”

“…Lithopedion, also known as “stone baby,” corresponds to an ectopic pregnancy that progresses beyond the first trimester to fetal death and calcification [1] . It is a very rare situation with only about 350 cases reported in the medical literature [2] .…”