Fetus in Fetu – a rare entity

Year 2013, Volume: 5 , - , 25.05.2013

Savithri Ravindra Geethamani V Sreedhara Murthy

Abstract

Fetus-in-fetu is a rare condition, secondary to abnormal embryogenesis in a twin pregnancy. The malformed parasitic fetus is found in the body of its twin. It presents as a fetiform mass, usually in the abdomen of a newborn or an infant. The incidence is 1 per 500,000 births. It is a pathologic entity distinct from teratoma. Current imaging techniques may allow a correct pre-operative or a prenatal diagnosis of the condition.
We present a case of a 2 month old male baby with abdominal distension noticed in the first week of life. The 'mass' was removed, the gross and microscopic features confirmed the diagnosis of Fetus-In-Fetu .

key words: abdominal mass, fetus, fetus in fetu, parasitic twin, twin pregnancy.

Keywords

abdominal mass, fetus, fetus in fetu, parasitic twin, twin pregnancy

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